The major influence of two environments, the German and the French, has created a special and unique culture. The geographical situation, as a region located within historical connections to north and south as well as east to west, made the Alsace succeptible to of foreign influences. All these influences have combined to form a very special Alsatian culture you find present where ever you look: food, agriculture, architecture, language and the people’s mind, open to new ideas and foreign people. Not without reason is Strasbourg the seat of the European Parliament.

One of the special architectural features was the delay of the romanesque flowering, took place in the 12th century, a full century behind the rest of the country. Also the Italian and German influence made the Alsatian architecture what it is - special. Actually you cannot take a step in Alsace without stumbling over a historical building, deeply immersed in history. However, there are several outstanding spots that need to be visited.

On of these must-do’s is Strasbourg, in its entirety, but specially the “half towered” cathedral. This massive and impressive building was started as a romanesque building in the 11th century but was later largely influenced by gothic inputs, newly introduced to the Alsace. The features of this chathedral are a full-day program for the building historic interested, but anyway a visit is worthly for the “architecture enjoyer”. The main highlights of this building are the magnificent west front, climbing the 328 step to the one (and only) tower and be fascinated by the astronomical clock and its history. But also the rest of the city is no less interesting and far more than a day’s visit worth. Visit the Rohan castle, make a river Ill cruise, visit La Petite France, once the fishermans’ tanners’ and millers’district, with its unique feature buildings.

No less interesting, probably a bit more provincial, is Colmar. The small and narrow streets in the city center, Petite Venice, the former tanners’ district, with half-timbered houses, impressive city buildings, remember the prosperity of the Alsatian cities and the absolute highlight of the town, the Unterlinden museum. All these make Colmar a remarkable place, that should not be missed on an Alsatian holiday or break.

However, an “unmentionable“ number of picturesque villages like Riquewihr, Ottrott, Obernai, Turckheim or Itterswiller within the Alsace, but especially along the Alsatian Wine Road, are full of historic treasures, lovingly restored. Local museums give you an intimate view of the culture and history of the region.