The European Route of Judaism on the Rhineland – Strasbourg

Why Visit Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is a multicultural city — enriched by its influences, Strasbourg forms a perfect bridge between past and present.

Strasbourg is people-oriented — young, creative and trendy, it reflects the vitality of its inhabitants.

Strasbourg is fundamentally European — the seat of European institutions, it is the proud symbol of democratic values.

Both the European capital and the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg exudes youthfulness and energy. If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there’s no doubt that you’ll fall in love with this city!

A treasure trove of heritage

Marked by its history, profoundly bicultural, Strasbourg boasts an exceptional architectural heritage! In a subtle blend of tradition and modernity, historical monuments now stand alongside the most modern structures.

Strasbourg: Europe’s beating heart

Europe makes its mark on the heart of Strasbourg! The seat of many institutions, Strasbourg, a key European city, can be discovered through numerous visits that will bring to life the values of peace, democracy and reconciliation between peoples.

There’s a museum for everyone

Abounding in culture, Strasbourg and its museums await you! With their themed collections, unusual exhibitions, stunning artworks and historical treasures, these institutions are remarkable for their richness and diversity.

The most amazing cultural scenes

When it comes to live entertainment, Strasbourg is renowned for the cosmopolitan aura of its cultural institutions. The Alsatian capital is proud to offer entertainment that’s open to a broad range of creative audacities, repertoires and tastes!

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Strasbourg in detail

The medieval Jewish community lived in an area that is now the Rue des Juifs (street of the jews) and the Rue des Charpentiers (carpenter street). It was by no means a ghetto: the bourgeoisie also lived there and the Church owned buildings. The synagogue was located at number 30 of the actual rue des Juifs, and at number 17 of the same street, the bakery. At number 22 of the rue des Charpentiers, there was a butcher’s shop; at number 20, the mikveh, probably built between 1200 and 1260.

An oral tradition preserved the memory of the existence of a Jewish ritual bath at this place, so that no. 19 Rue des Juifs was, from the end of the 16th century, designated as “Zum Judenbad” (to the jewish bath). However, all traces of the ritual bath, other than remembrance, had been lost until then. Archaeological excavations have brought to light other remains of medieval Jewish life in Strasbourg, notably headstones from the old cemetery (12th-14th century).

For further information:

http://judaisme.sdv.fr/histoire/historiq/medieval/index.htm

http://judaisme.sdv.fr/histoire/villes/strasbrg/mikve.h