Gutenberg Square

This square, built around 1100, is one of the oldest in Strasbourg. It was the city’s historical center up until the French Revolution. It is occupied by a magnificent building, typical of Renaissance architecture; it’s the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It’s the one with all the little skylights on the roof and the French and European flags flying across its façade. The building also houses the cooperative shop of Alsatian winegrowers, where you can learn about the region’s grape varieties and meet the producers, all without leaving Strasbourg! Here, you can taste a variety of Pinots, Riesling, Sylvaner, the famous Gewurztraminer and even the Klevener from Heiligenstein. In the middle of the square, right next to the magnificent antique carousel, you’ll see the famous German inventor Gutenberg, who lived in Strasbourg for around ten years; it was here that he set up his first print shop! By the way, do you know which was the first book in the world to be printed? You’ve probably guessed it: it’s the Bible, published on February 23, 1455. Today, only twenty or so copies of this mythical work have survived: it’s the infamous Gutenberg Bible. Gutenberg’s movable-type printing press literally revolutionized our world, radically impacting the dissemination of knowledge. Since books no longer had to be copied by hand, they became widely available, allowing more people to gain access to knowledge. Printing played a key role in the Renaissance, fostering cultural and intellectual exchange. So, Johannes Gutenberg has justly earned himself a statue right in the heart of the square that bears his name; let’s take a moment to honor his memory! Leave the square and head for the rue du vieux marché aux poissons, to continue our tour.