Introduction

Founded by the Romans in 12 BC, Strasbourg («the town at the crossroads») has always occupied a strategic position in Europe. Situated at a meeting point of the North-South and East-West communication routes, the town has benefited from commerce of all kinds and also encouraged the free movement of ideas. During the 11th century, construction work got underway on the cathedral, a project which would last for two and a half centuries and would see the town emerge as one of the greatest cities in the Rhineland area and in Europe. Strasbourg’s history can be appreciated from the sheer diversity of its particularly well preserved architectural heritage.

12 BC : The Romans set up a military camp at the Argentoratum site.

496 : Clovis, King of the Franks, makes Argentoratum part of the Merovingian Kingdom. Its name changes to Strateburgum, "Town of Many Roads".

870 : One of the Charlemagne’s grandsons, Louis (II) the German, takes control of Alsace under the Treaty of Mersen. It will remain part of the Holy Roman Empire for eight centuries.

1015 : Construction begins on the first cathedral.

1176 : Construction begins on the current cathedral.

1262 : At the Battle of Hausbergen, the craftsmen defeat the troops of the local Bishop who ruled the town at the time and take power.

1439 : The cathedral’s spire is completed.

1450 : Gutenberg develops the first printing process using movable type.

1518 : Luther’s theses are put on display in Strasbourg Cathedral, marking the arrival of the Reform movement.

1681 : The Holy Roman Empire loses the Thirty Years War. As an indirect result Strasbourg becomes part of Louis XIV’s France.

1792 : The "Chant militaire pour l’Armée du Rhin", which is to become the Marseillaise, is first sung in the rooms of the then Mayor of Strasbourg, De Dietrich.

1870 : Siege and surrender of Strasbourg which becomes part of the German Empire.

1871 : Strasbourg becomes capital of the German land, Alsace - Lorraine.

1918 : Strasbourg liberated on 22 November by French troops under General Gouraud.

1939 : In preparation for the war, the entire population of Strasbourg is evacuated in September, to the southwest of France.

1940 : On 18 June, German troops enter Strasbourg. Alsace is annexed to the Reich and some of the refugees return.

1944 : General Leclerc’s 2nd Armoured Division liberates Strasbourg on 23 November.

1949 : Strasbourg chosen as the seat of the Council of Europe.

1988 : "Strasbourg - Grande-Ile" was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

1992 : At the Summit of Edinburgh, Strasbourg is confirmed as the headquarters of the European Parliament.