Place Gutenberg

La Place Gutenberg is one of the city of Strasbourg's most famous squares. It's located in Strasbourg's Grande Île, just opposite Strasbourg's lovely cathedral's main façade.

It's a medium size square if we compare it to the other bigger squares in Strasbourg, such as Kleber or Broglie.

This square owes its name to Johannes Gutenberg of whom there is a statue of, in the centre of the square. Johannes Gutenberg is the inventor of the modern printer and resided in Strasbourg for a while whilst working as a silversmith (hence there is a statue of him in Strasbourg). He's also famous for the accomplishing the world's first typed book as well as for his 42 lined bible, also known as the Gutenberg Bible.

The statue found in the square was created by David D'Argers. The statue has two parts: the Gutenberg statue built of a base of bronze and granite, who seems to be kneeling down on one leg with a parchment in hand. Then the four sided base is built of bronze panels; each one with an embossed image carved, concerning events in the press.

I rather like it. I wouldn't be able to explain to you why but I suppose that I'm fond of it since I've passed through the square right next to the cathedral many times. My favourite elements of the square were the Gutenberg statue and the merry-go-round, which I will tell you about later on.

The building of a classic and elegant style, that stands out in the square and that is located just behind the statue, is Strasbourg's Chamber of Commerce and Industry. However in the past, it was the building of the town hall (which is now found in la Place Broglie).

There is one of Strasbourg's best public car parks in la Place Gutenberg, located underground, right beneath the square in which its entrance is also found. It's very convenient due to its strategic location: right in the heart of Strasbourg's historical centre.

Depending on the time of year, you will or won't find a precious and large merry-go-round which they put in the part of the square on the right. When I saw this square for the first time arriving on Erasmus, I was left amazed by the merry-go-round's beauty which also gave a touch of colour and magic to la Place Gutenberg. However, one day they got rid of it and I didn't see it again until a few months later. They should leave it there permanently in my opinion, given that it's one of the tourists' favourite parts and without the carousel, the plaza Gutenberg looks a bit bare and grey.

There is also a restaurant with a terrace looking out over the square, benches to sit down on and the shoe shop, Salamander. There is a shopping centre just opposite, with several clothes shops and French patisseries - like the Spanish Mango, the Italian Calzedonia, Bijou Brigitte, Pimkie or PAUL and a branch of the Societé Generale bank.

Of course, they put one of Strasbourg's Christmas markets there at Christmas (Marché de Noel). The city is the European Christmas capital, for whoever didn't already know and they have several Christmas markets spread out over the city during the period. Last Christmas, la Place Gutenberg housed the market dedicated to Belgium as every year there is a market dedicated to some ally country. For me, it was a great and pleasant surprise since I love Belgium and not just for its landscapes but otherwise, for two of the foods of its gastronomy: waffles and chips. I could enjoy them again without having to go to Belgium; something which I don't know when will happen... You could also buy Belgian handicrafts and Belgian beer, among other products.

The blue tree they put in la Place Gutenberg at Christmas is also very famous. Apart from the main Christmas tree, it is one of the most photographed trees. I have a thousand photos here with my friends and the first time I saw it, it left me gob-smacked. I don't know how the city could have so many decorative elements and even less so, how each one could be so pretty and spectacular. It's not a blue tree like you see in the photo, but it resembles one, given that it's dressed up in many, many little blue lights. There is a large bear to the side of it, also decorated with many blue lights.

From la Place Gutenberg, you can approach one of my favourite photos of the cathedral, which is right between the street's buildings, heading towards the façade of the cathedral; as it's framed with the buildings with the great-looking cathedral behind.

To get there, you could do it walking from the cathedral at a minute away, or you could get there by tram. The closest tram stop to la Place Gutenberg is found at Homme de Fer (where all the Strasbourg's tram lines cross, which means you could catch any of them), a five minute walk away.