Neustadt

Overview

The Neustadt (New City) is a remarkable German Imperial quarter built between 1871 and 1918, when Strasbourg was the capital of the German Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen. Its grand boulevards, monumental public buildings, and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) residences were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site extension in 2017.

Highlights

• Place de la République: The administrative heart of the Neustadt, ringed by monumental public buildings including the former Imperial Palace.
• Jugendstil Architecture: Dozens of ornate Art Nouveau facades with carved decorations, balconies, and colored tiles.
• Avenue de la Liberté: A grand tree-lined boulevard connecting the old city to the European institutions.

History

After annexing Strasbourg in 1871, the German Empire invested massively in transforming it into a showcase imperial capital. Architects created an entirely new city district three times the size of the old town, blending Germanic monumentality with French urban planning.

Visitor Tips

• Walking Tour: The tourist office offers excellent free walking tour maps of the Neustadt's architectural highlights.
• Facade Details: Look up constantly — Art Nouveau details, carved figures, and decorative tiles appear on nearly every building.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.