Palace of the Rhine, Strasbourg

The Palace of the Rhine stands as a tribute to the finest architectural achievements of 19th century Prussia, showcasing the enduring German Neo-Classical style that remains well-preserved in Alsace.

This grand square edifice, crowned by a central dome, draws its design inspiration from the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. The palace boasts extensive stables and is set within expansive, meticulously maintained grounds.

The interior is equally impressive, mirroring the splendor of its exterior. Notable features include a fresco-adorned dome in the Audience Hall, an intricately adorned vaulted ceiling in the main Ballroom, and ornate coffered ceilings in the other state rooms. The central staircase, a masterpiece of white marble, is flanked by fountains and small ponds on each side.

Following the Franco-Prussian War, the newly established German Government confronted the challenge of providing accommodations for the visiting emperor in Strasbourg. This led to the construction of the Imperial Palace on the Place de la Republique, officially inaugurated in 1889.

Between its opening and 1914, the emperor only lodged there a few times, leading to public discontent over the construction expenses. The palace was repurposed as a military hospital during World War I.

In 1920, it became the headquarters for the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine (CCNR), prompting a change in its name from the Imperial Palace to its current designation. In 1923, a portion of the palace housed the Fine Arts and National Furniture of Alsace-Lorraine.

During World War II, the palace initially served as the command center for the Nazis and later as the main quarters for Leclerc's army. In the 1970s, the palace narrowly avoided demolition and instead underwent restoration efforts. The CCNR reclaimed its space, and today, the premises are shared with the Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelles.