Place de l'Universite, Strasbourg
The University Square (Place de l'Université) holds a prominent role in the city's layout. This square came into existence around 1880, built from the ground up. It's enclosed by the University and Brant Square. This charming square carries a rich history, cultural significance, and intellectual value, mainly due to its proximity to the esteemed University of Strasbourg.
The architectural character of the Place de l'Université reflects a blend of influences spanning various epochs. It features an array of buildings adorned with intricate facades, showcasing a harmonious amalgamation of traditional Alsatian design and elements from different periods. Notably, the architectural styles encompass both classical and more contemporary influences, encapsulating the evolving aesthetic tastes and design trends over time.
The monument of Goethe, situated within this square, was erected in 1904 to commemorate the time when Germany's "preeminent literary figure" resided in Strasbourg. The statue stands as a reminder of the university's commitment to academic progress and the preservation of cultural heritage.
As one explores the Place de l'Université, the atmosphere exudes a sense of scholarly ambiance intertwined with the vibrancy of daily life. The square serves as a meeting point for students, locals, and visitors, fostering a sense of community and intellectual exchange. It's not uncommon to witness individuals engaged in conversations, seated at the various cafes lining the square, discussing topics that range from literature and philosophy to contemporary societal matters.
The architectural character of the Place de l'Université reflects a blend of influences spanning various epochs. It features an array of buildings adorned with intricate facades, showcasing a harmonious amalgamation of traditional Alsatian design and elements from different periods. Notably, the architectural styles encompass both classical and more contemporary influences, encapsulating the evolving aesthetic tastes and design trends over time.
The monument of Goethe, situated within this square, was erected in 1904 to commemorate the time when Germany's "preeminent literary figure" resided in Strasbourg. The statue stands as a reminder of the university's commitment to academic progress and the preservation of cultural heritage.
As one explores the Place de l'Université, the atmosphere exudes a sense of scholarly ambiance intertwined with the vibrancy of daily life. The square serves as a meeting point for students, locals, and visitors, fostering a sense of community and intellectual exchange. It's not uncommon to witness individuals engaged in conversations, seated at the various cafes lining the square, discussing topics that range from literature and philosophy to contemporary societal matters.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Strasbourg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Place de l'Universite on Map
Sight Name: Place de l'Universite
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Strasbourg, France (See walking tours in Strasbourg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Strasbourg, France
Create Your Own Walk in Strasbourg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Strasbourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Strasbourg Introduction Walking Tour
Decades of shifting rule between France and Germany eventually caught up with Strasbourg locals. They joked, "We change nationality as easily as others change their coats."
Strasbourg began as a Roman military outpost known as Argentoratum in the 1st century AD, part of the empire’s fortified Rhine frontier. After the fall of Rome, the settlement evolved under the Franks, eventually... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Strasbourg began as a Roman military outpost known as Argentoratum in the 1st century AD, part of the empire’s fortified Rhine frontier. After the fall of Rome, the settlement evolved under the Franks, eventually... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Strasbourg, which celebrated its bimillennial anniversary in 1988, is a city with a very rich heritage. Among other historical monuments found here is a wealth of ancient churches and cathedrals, representing a variety of architectural styles. Exploring Strasbourg on foot, one is inevitably drawn to visit some of these locations. Here are some of the best known places of worship in the city.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Famous Squares Walking Tour
Justly reputed as one of the most beautiful cities in all of France, Strasbourg greets visitors with an array of picturesque squares. Among the most famous of them are:
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour
German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe studied in Strasbourg between 1770 and 1771, a period he later described as highly formative. He gave back to the city by including his fascination for Strasbourg Cathedral's spire in his own autobiography.
Strasbourg’s downtown, known as the "Large Island”, is the historic core of the city and one of the best-preserved medieval urban... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Strasbourg’s downtown, known as the "Large Island”, is the historic core of the city and one of the best-preserved medieval urban... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles






