I guess there's always the possibility of being disappointed with a city the first time you visit, but this was definitely not one of those times. Strasbourg has a fascinating history, and it is right there on the surface for you to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. We came because it has a fantastic cathedral, and we came at this time of the year because it has, confirmed by international vote the last two years in a row, the best Christmas market in Europe. Let's have a sample of each, shall we?
From the completion of its fleche (spire; literally arrow) in 1647, to 1874 when the Rouen cathedral was completed, it was the tallest structure in the world. One of the remarkable design features is the selection of quarries for the stone. The colors cover a wide range of reds and browns, giving almost a patchwork effect to the walls when viewed up close.
Besides the obvious allure of its external grandeur, the cathedral has another attraction inside--the famous astronomical clock. Daily at noon, a crowd gathers to witness the parade of the apostles, the three crowings of the cock as it flaps its wings, and the blessings of the Christ admonishing the viewers to make good use of the time they have remaining.
But let's get real--hundreds of thousands of people don't come to Strasbourg to see this clock, no matter how impressive it is. And the cathedral isn't why the city calls itself The Capital of Christmas. This place is just crazy about Christmas. Three hundred "chalets" pop up in various plazas around town, offering a huge variety of wares and foods. A 100-foot tall Christmas tree, and street lights galore make this a winter wonderland par excellence.
Tomorrow, Strasbourg in the daylight. We expect to find it to be a different place.
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