What facilities does the East Stroudsburg University Rec Center offer. How can students benefit from the Campus Rec & Wellness programs. What employment opportunities are available at the ESU Rec Center. How does the Rec Center contribute to student development and campus life.
The Mattioli Recreation Center: A Hub of Student Activity
The Mattioli Recreation Center at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) stands as a cornerstone of campus life, offering students a state-of-the-art facility for fitness, recreation, and wellness. Built in 2003, this multipurpose space has become an integral part of the university experience, providing a wide array of amenities and programs designed to promote physical health and social engagement.
Key Features of the Mattioli Recreation Center
- Rubber-coated flooring for safety and comfort
- Basketball courts
- Volleyball courts
- Tennis courts
- Racquetball courts
- Maximum capacity of 700 people
The center’s versatile design allows it to accommodate various athletic events and recreational activities, making it a bustling hub of student life. Its location at 1282 Center Street (Campus Map #70) ensures easy access for all ESU students and faculty.
Campus Rec & Wellness: Fostering Student Growth and Development
The Campus Rec & Wellness department at ESU goes beyond just providing physical spaces for recreation. It offers a comprehensive approach to student well-being, encompassing various programs and employment opportunities that contribute to personal and professional development.
Programs Offered by Campus Rec & Wellness
- Group Fitness classes
- Special Events
- Club Sports
- Recreational Leagues
These programs not only promote physical health but also foster a sense of community and teamwork among students. Can participation in these programs enhance a student’s overall university experience? Research suggests that students who engage in campus recreational activities often report higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience and improved academic performance.
Student Employment: A Pathway to Professional Growth
One of the most unique aspects of the Campus Rec & Wellness department is its robust student employment program. With over 50 student employees hired each semester, this initiative offers invaluable work experience and skill development opportunities.
Benefits of Working at Campus Rec & Wellness
- Development of interpersonal competencies
- Enhancement of critical thinking skills
- Leadership opportunities
- Acquisition of professional skills
How does working at the Rec Center prepare students for their future careers? Through hands-on experience in operations management, customer service, and program coordination, students gain practical skills that are highly valued in the job market. This real-world experience complements their academic studies, providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom.
The Hiring Process: Opportunities for Student Engagement
The Campus Rec & Wellness department has established a structured hiring process to ensure fair opportunities for all students interested in working at the Rec Center. Understanding this process is crucial for students looking to secure a position.
Employment Recruiting Time Table
- Summer Employment: March/April
- Fall Employment: March/April
- Spring Employment: October/November
Prior to posting available positions, the department hosts hiring informational fairs. These events provide an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the various roles and meet current student workers. This personal touch allows prospective employees to get a feel for the work environment and culture before applying.
Application Process
To apply for positions at the Rec Center, students must follow a specific set of steps:
- Visit the student employment section under Human Resources
- Select “Student Worker” in the “Search Jobs” box
- Browse through pages to find “Rec Center” positions
- Click on the desired position for details
- Apply through the provided link
- Register on the site if not already done
- Complete the application and attach a resume
Are there specific qualifications required for Rec Center positions? While requirements may vary depending on the role, most positions value enthusiasm, reliability, and a commitment to customer service. Previous experience in recreation or fitness can be beneficial but is often not mandatory, as training is provided.
Customer Service Philosophy: The Heart of the Rec Center Experience
At the core of the Campus Rec & Wellness department’s operations is a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. This philosophy is encapsulated in their service vision: “To be the healthiest and happiest part of your day.” This vision guides all interactions and operations within the Rec Center.
Key Principles of Customer Service at the Rec Center
- Treat all users as VIPs (Very Individual Persons)
- Maintain a sharp, alert, and energetic appearance
- Focus on creating positive first and last impressions
- Personalize user experiences
- Empower employees to make users happy
- Continuously learn from user feedback
- Always lead with solutions, never say “no”
- Wear name tags for a personal touch
- Foster a supportive team environment
- Strive to be knowledgeable resources for users
How does this customer service philosophy impact the overall user experience? By prioritizing personalized, positive interactions, the Rec Center creates an welcoming environment that encourages regular use and fosters a sense of community among students. This approach not only enhances the immediate experience of using the facilities but also contributes to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the student body.
Beyond the Rec Center: Additional Athletic and Recreational Spaces
While the Mattioli Recreation Center is the primary hub for student recreation, East Stroudsburg University boasts additional facilities that complement the Rec Center’s offerings. These spaces provide diverse options for athletic and recreational activities, catering to a wide range of interests and needs within the campus community.
Koehler Fieldhouse Arena
The Koehler Fieldhouse Arena serves as a vital component of ESU’s athletic infrastructure. This versatile facility hosts a variety of intercollegiate sports and events:
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Women’s Volleyball
- Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field
How does the Koehler Fieldhouse Arena contribute to campus life? Beyond serving as a venue for competitive sports, the arena plays a crucial role in fostering school spirit and community engagement. It provides a space for large-scale events, pep rallies, and other gatherings that bring the campus community together, enhancing the overall collegiate experience.
The Impact of Recreational Facilities on Student Life
The presence of well-equipped recreational facilities like the Mattioli Recreation Center and the Koehler Fieldhouse Arena has a profound impact on student life at East Stroudsburg University. These spaces contribute significantly to the physical, mental, and social well-being of students, creating a more vibrant and engaged campus community.
Benefits of Campus Recreational Facilities
- Improved physical health and fitness
- Stress reduction and mental health support
- Enhanced social connections and networking opportunities
- Development of time management and organizational skills
- Increased sense of belonging and campus pride
Do recreational facilities influence student retention and academic success? Research indicates that students who regularly utilize campus recreational facilities tend to have higher GPAs and are more likely to persist in their studies. The availability of these facilities can also be a significant factor in attracting prospective students, contributing to the university’s overall appeal and competitiveness.
Integrating Recreation into Academic Life
East Stroudsburg University’s approach to campus recreation demonstrates a commitment to integrating physical wellness into the overall academic experience. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming, the university acknowledges the importance of a balanced lifestyle in supporting student success.
How can students make the most of these recreational opportunities? Encouraging regular participation in recreational activities, whether through organized sports, fitness classes, or casual use of facilities, can help students establish healthy habits that support their academic pursuits. The university’s emphasis on student employment within these facilities further reinforces the connection between recreation and professional development, creating a holistic approach to student growth.
Future Directions and Continuous Improvement
As campus needs evolve, so too must the recreational facilities and programs offered at East Stroudsburg University. The ongoing success of the Mattioli Recreation Center and associated programs suggests a strong foundation for future growth and development in campus recreation.
Potential Areas for Expansion
- Introduction of new fitness trends and technologies
- Expansion of outdoor recreational spaces
- Enhancement of virtual and remote fitness options
- Increased integration with academic programs in health and wellness
- Development of more inclusive and adaptive recreational opportunities
How might the university continue to innovate in campus recreation? Staying attuned to student needs and preferences, as well as industry trends in fitness and wellness, will be crucial. Feedback from student employees and facility users can provide valuable insights for continuous improvement and expansion of services.
The East Stroudsburg University Rec Center, along with the broader Campus Rec & Wellness program, stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to student well-being and development. By providing top-notch facilities, diverse programming, and unique employment opportunities, ESU creates an environment where students can thrive physically, mentally, and professionally. As the university continues to invest in and evolve these resources, the impact on student life and campus culture will undoubtedly grow, reinforcing ESU’s position as a leader in comprehensive student development.
Employment | Campus Rec & Wellness
Campus Rec & Wellness
The Campus Rec & Wellness offers one of the most unique employment opportunities to
students at ESU.
It employs over 50 students every semester who are directly responsible for the operations
of the Mattioli Recreation Center and programs that include Group Fitness, Special
Events, Club Sports and Leagues.
Through employment at Campus Rec & Wellness, students will gain and develop interpersonal
competencies as well as critical thinking, leadership and professional skills that
will prepare them for their future.
Hiring
Campus Rec & Wellness will post positions during the middle of each semester to recruit
new student employees for the next semester.
Prior to posting these positions, Campus
Rec & Wellness will hold hiring informational fairs for an opportunity to learn more
about the positions offered and meet current student workers.
Employment Recruiting Time Table
- Summer Employment: March / April
- Fall Employment: March / April
- Spring Employment: October / November
Are there Positions Currently Available?
Follow the these steps to see positions that have been posted:
- Go to student employment under Human Resources
- In the “Search Jobs” box, choose “Student Worker”
- Click through the pages until you find positions titled “Rec Center”(Note: If the
search does not return results, the Rec.
Center is not currently hiring.) - Click the recreation center position that interests you
- Read the posting details
- This will be the application for all positions. When you apply you will have the ability
to choose specific positions. - Click Apply to this Job. (Link is posted on the same line as “Bookmark this Job” &
“Print Preview”) - If you have not registered for this site before, it will prompt you to do so at this
time. - Complete the Application.
- If you would like to apply for another job in the department, follow these steps again.
- Please note all positions require a resume. Be sure to attach your resume to the file.
Center is not currently hiring.)
Be sure to attach your resume to the file.Customer Service Philosophy
Service Vision: To be the healthiest and happiest part of your day
Tips
- Treat our users how you want your loved ones to be treated. Treat all users like they
are the VIP (Very Individual Person) - Look Sharp! Look alert, attentive, energetic, happy to be here and eager to serve.
- Remember the two most important part of the users experience, the beginning and the
end! - Learn something about the users and utilize that to make their experience special.
- You have the authority to make your users happy!
- Learn from our users. Learn their needs, wants, and ideas. When the user wins, the
Rec Center wins. - Never say no. Always lead with what you can do for the user to fix their problem.
- Don’t be a stranger. Wear your name tag!
- Appreciate, recognize and encourage one another
- Be the expert! Know what is going on in your area and beyond! Be a valuable resource.
Learn their needs, wants, and ideas. When the user wins, theAthletic/Recreational Indoor Spaces | Conference Services
Mattioli Recreation Center
The Rec Center was built in 2003 for student recreation activities. This space can
accommodate a variety of athletic events.
- Type: Multipurpose Space
- Maximum capacity: 700
- Features: rubber coated floor, basketball, volleyball, tennis, racquetball courts
- Location: 1282 Center Street
- Campus Map #: 70
Koehler Fieldhouse Arena
com/XSL/Variables”>The arena is home to the East Stroudsburg University Men’s and Women’s Basketball,Women’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field teams. It also serves
as a location for Commencement exercises. The arena may be used for multiple simultaneous
activities.
- Type: Multipurpose space
- Maximum capacity: 1500
- Square Footage: 18,883
- Features: bleachers, sound system, scoreboard
- Surfaces: track, wood, rubber
- Includes batting cages for baseball and softball
- Location: 213 Smith Street
- Campus Map #: 23
Zimbar Gym
com/XSL/Variables”>This teaching gym is perfect for practices, small games, and team building activities.- Type: Multipurpose space
- Maximum capacity: 200
- Square Footage: 5,158
- Features: rubber coated gymnasium floor, basketball baskets
- Location: 1236 Center Street
- Campus Map #: 13
Koehler Fieldhouse Wrestling Room
Home to the East Stroudsburg University Men’s and Women’s Wrestling teams.
- Features: private room, two mats
Koehler Fieldhouse Pool
The Natatorium is home to the East Stroudsburg University Women’s Swim team and is
equipped with bleacher seating, locker rooms, and a pool that is heated to a constant
80 degrees.
The pool is available to rent throughout the year.
- Type: Tiered Seating
- Maximum capacity: 500
- Features: bleachers, locker rooms
- Location: 213 Smith Street
- Campus Map #: 23
Top 30 sights of Strasbourg and surroundings: photos, descriptions, map
Grande Ile
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Strasbourg stands on the Ile River, which divides the city into several islands. One of them is the Grande Île, where the historic center of Strasbourg is located, which is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. It is here that you will find the most striking sights of the city – Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral, the luxurious Rhine Palace, medieval churches, and Petite France quarters.
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Petite France
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Petite France nestled on the Grande Île between the Covered Bridges and Lace Street.
The Old Quarter has a long rich history. In the XV century, these lands were in the possession of Germany. Patients with syphilis, which the Germans called the “French disease”, were evicted here. Later, Petite France became a fishing and crafts area. It was then that it was built up with half-timbered houses.
In 1988, the quarter became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Petite France is an ordinary residential area that has retained the charm of antiquity. Cozy restaurants with outdoor terraces lined up along the embankment, where you can have a delicious meal and relax after a walk around the quarter and souvenir shops.
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Notre Dame Cathedral
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The construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg lasted almost 300 years, starting from 1015. As a result, a majestic Gothic temple of red Vosges sandstone with a carved facade grew in the city. Such a long construction has affected the architecture of the building.
The eastern portal and choir are made in the Romanesque style. The multi-figured western façade and longitudinal nave are a masterpiece of medieval Gothic. The north tower, 142 meters high, with an openwork spire, was considered the tallest building in the world until the end of the 19th century. The recognizable asymmetric appearance of the cathedral is given by the unfinished South Tower.
The interior of the temple is decorated with stained-glass windows with classical religious scenes, richly inlaid organ. The attraction of the cathedral is the astronomical clock of the 19th century. On Sunday morning during the service, you can listen to Gregorian chants. Organ music concerts are held in the temple. An observation deck is equipped at a height of 66 meters.
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Notre Dame Museum
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The Notre Dame Museum is housed in two buildings from the 14th and 16th centuries, where the builders of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary used to be.
The opening of the museum took place at 1931, when it was decided to preserve the history of the main cathedral of Strasbourg.
The museum treasury contains historical materials about the construction of the temple. Sculptures that were knocked off the facades of the cathedral during the French Revolution, a collection of magnificent stained glass windows are stored here. Some of them date back to the 11th century.
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St. Paul’s Church
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St. Paul Lutheran Church built in 1897 year for the soldiers of the Prussian garrison. The building in the traditional Gothic style was built by the architect Leo Müller, inspired by the appearance of the German church of St. Elizabeth in Marburg.
A distinctive feature of the architecture of the temple is 16 entrance portals intended for parishioners in different military ranks. The walls of the cathedral are decorated with frescoes on religious subjects. Services are held under the accompaniment of the body.
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The main attractions can be seen on your own on a walk, but the trip will be much more exciting if you go on a sightseeing tour of Strasbourg with a local guide.
European Parliament
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The European Parliament was established in Strasbourg in 1999. A building in the form of a huge wing was built for him, his silhouette is beautifully reflected in the waters of the Il. Behind the “wing” is a 60-meter round tower with an unfinished roof, evoking associations with the Tower of Babel depicted in the painting by Brueghel. The incompleteness symbolizes that the EU is open to new members. Tourists can visit the building with an organized group tour.
Kammerzell House
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The Kammerzel House stands on the square next to the Strasbourg Cathedral. The mansion was built at the beginning of the 15th century. After several reconstructions, the house acquired late Gothic features and Renaissance decorations.
Half-timbered finishes are complemented by window decorations in the form of skillful, carefully crafted carvings depicting biblical characters and zodiacal symbols. Today, the Kammerzell house houses a hotel and a restaurant.
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Gutenberg Square
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Since 1575 Gutenberg Square has been called the Market Square. It was renamed in 1840 after the installation of a monument to the book printer Johannes Gutenberg, who invented typesetting in the middle of the 15th century. Next to the monument is an Italian carousel of the 19th century, you can ride it in the warm season. For the winter, the structure is disassembled. Once a week, book dealers gather at the foot of the monument, they sell rare albums, books, and reproductions.
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Covered bridges
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In the first half of the 13th century, wooden bridges with a roof and powerful stone towers were thrown over the branches of the Ile River to protect Strasbourg from attacks from the water.
The bridges performed a defensive function until the 17th century. Later, the roofs were dismantled as unnecessary, and the wooden foundations were replaced with stone ones. The towers began to be used as prisons. The worst was the dungeon in the tower of the Executioner, where the prisoners were mercilessly tortured. Today, the Covered Bridges have become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
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Church of St. Peter the Young
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The construction of the Church of St. Peter the Young began in the 11th century and was completed in 1321. The facades of the building are made in the Gothic style, inside you can see the details of the original Romanesque style. Built as a Catholic, during the Reformation, the church becomes Lutheran. At the end of the 17th century, when Alsace passes to the French, it is divided by a wall into two parts – the nave remains Lutheran, and a Catholic collegiate and parish church opens in the choirs.
Towards the end of the 19th century, the Catholic community built a separate church for themselves and the wall was removed. Nowadays, the temple is wholly owned by the Lutherans, only the difference in the interior design reminds of the division. Frescoes from the 14th century have been preserved on the walls. The neo-Gothic altar and pulpit date back to the 18th century. The church has an 18th-century organ by Zilberman.
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Vauban Dam
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In 1681, the famous military engineer Sebastian Vauban built a dam on the Ile River. According to his project, 13 locks were made in the body of the dam, which, when opened, released water into the lowlands of the city, flooding the approaches to it.
Externally, the dam looks like a long covered bridge with a gallery and lock arches. The system of fortifications includes covered bridges with towers laid over the four arms of the Il. The gallery of the dam exhibits sculptures taken from the city’s Notre Dame Cathedral in the 16th-18th centuries.
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Historical Museum
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The historical museum of the city is located in three old buildings of the XVI century, where there used to be a slaughterhouse. “Meat Rows” was given to the museum exhibition at 1920 year.
The collection covers three periods of the life of Strasbourg. The first building shows the history of the city from its founding to the 15th century. The exhibits of the second house tell about the role of the region in the life of eastern France. The third exhibition highlights the modern history of the city. The exposition presents a relief model of Strasbourg, made at the beginning of the 18th century for King Louis XV, samples of ancient weapons, household utensils, and stained-glass windows.
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Parc de l’Orangerie
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The Parc de l’Orangerie is located in the European Quarter opposite the Palais de l’Europe.
The first shape of the park was acquired in 1681. It was created in the image and likeness of the gardens of Versailles. In the expanses of de l’Orangerie there is a lake with swans, a mini-zoo, a rose garden, an artificial grotto with a waterfall. The park has preserved trees planted under Louis XIV.
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Rhine Palace
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The Rhine Palace, built for Emperor Wilhelm I, is one of the finest examples of German architecture. An architectural monument of the 19th century combined several styles – antiquity, classics, renaissance and baroque. The yellow sandstone palace is lavishly decorated with stucco. The approach to it is preceded by a wide triple staircase, the central part of the building is crowned with an impressive dome decorated with sculptures. Today, two state organizations work in the palace, access to the inside is closed for tourists.
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European Court of Human Rights
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The European Court of Human Rights is an international legal organization founded in 1959 by a European convention.
The action of the court extends to 47 countries that are members of the Council of Europe.
The building of the ECtHR consists of three cylindrical blocks, two of which rest on the central one with their edges and symbolize the scales of Themis. Inside the building there are court and conference rooms, offices of the Council of Europe. The Court accepts complaints of violation of rights from individuals and non-governmental organizations.
University
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The University of Strasbourg grew out of a German Protestant gymnasium founded by Johann Sturm in 1538. In 1681, under the Treaty of Westphalia, the right bank of the Rhine passed into the possession of France along with the university.
At the end of the 19th century, the institution of higher education received a new Neo-Renaissance palace building, to which additional classrooms were later added. On the main facade of the University Palace there are statues of great scientists from different eras.
Students study at 12 faculties. The university has a Botanical Garden, an astronomical observatory, a Museum of Casts, which displays copies of works of art from Ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome.
Saint Thomas Church
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The Church of St. Thomas was founded in the 12th century as a hall church in the Romanesque style. By the time construction was completed in 1521, the building was a harmonious combination of Romanesque massiveness and elegance of late Gothic. Two bell towers are attached to the temple. The main shrine of the church is the tomb of its founder, Bishop Adelok. Inside, there is an 18th-century organ by Zilberman, on which Mozart played.
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Rogan Palace
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The splendid Baroque Rogan Palace was built in the first half of the 18th century for Cardinal de Rogan-Soubise. The palace has become a real decoration of the city. For a long time, representatives of the Rogan dynasty lived in it.
Later, the magnificent Baroque building became a worthy residence of King Louis XV, and then Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
Today, the interiors of the episcopal salon, the royal bedchamber, and the Synod Hall have become part of the exposition of the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, one of the three located in the palace. The Museum of Fine Arts contains masterpieces of painting from the Middle Ages to the second half of the 19th century. Among them are the works of Botticelli, Raphael, El Greco, Goya, Rubens, Van Dyck. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds from prehistoric times to the 800s of our era.
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Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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The grand opening of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art took place in 1998. The basis of the exposition was a private collection of one of the residents of Strasbourg. Subsequently, the collection was replenished with gifts from other collectors and works that were acquired by the city authorities.
Today, the funds contain 19,000 works.
In the modern art section you will see paintings by Renoir, Claude Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, Chagall, Kandinsky. The museum has one of the largest collections of Gustave Dore. The Gallery of Modern Art presents works in the Art Nouveau style and other current trends. In addition to paintings, the museum exhibits graphics and photographs.
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Museum of Fine Arts
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The Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1801, keeps in its halls and storerooms works of art confiscated from the French nobility during the French Revolution. The expositions of the museum are located in the Rogan Palace. Here are collected paintings by painters of different eras – Raphael, Rubens, El Greco, Goya. The collection of French masters is represented by paintings by Degas, Delacroix, Courbet, Corot. Connoisseurs of genre painting will appreciate the rich collection of still lifes.
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Alsace Museum
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The Museum of Alsace reveals the history of a region at the crossroads of two cultures, German and French.
It is located in two old buildings opposite the Old Customs House. The museum collection includes works of folk art of the 18th-19th centuries.
In the exhibition halls you will see national clothes, children’s toys, dishes, interior items. In separate pavilions, the interiors of living quarters, craft workshops, and wineries traditional for different regions of Alsace are decorated. A separate room is dedicated to half-timbered houses, in which you will see models of buildings, their internal structure.
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Botanical garden
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The Strasbourg Botanical Garden was founded in 1619 at the city academy. According to the first inventory, carried out in 1670, there were 1,600 species of diverse flora in the garden. Today, it is still part of the university, with 15,000 plants of 6,000 species planted there.
The garden consists of three greenhouses for plants from different climatic zones, a greenhouse in Bari, an arboretum, a zone of useful plants, an area of ecological plantings, a systematic garden and a pond.
At 19In 95, a sundial was discovered in the warehouses of the Vauban dam, which once adorned the old botanical garden. The structure, consisting of a gnomon and a base, was repaired and re-installed in the park. Judging by the inscription on the pedestal, the clock dates back to the end of the 17th century.
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28 rue Goethe
River Ile
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The Ile River is a left tributary of the Rhine with its source in the Jura mountains. The length of the channel is 225 km. The river is part of the Rhine-North Sea water system. The channels and branches of the Il “cut” Strasbourg into several islands. A boat trip will introduce you to the city embankments, where half-timbered houses are reflected in the water like a mirror, ancient stone and metal bridges. A separate attraction associated with the Ile River is the Vauban dam, a marvel of military engineering.
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MM Park
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MM The park is the military history museum of Strasbourg dedicated to World War II.
On an area of 7000 sq. m contains exhibits telling about major battles and exploits of French heroes. On the grounds of the museum, military equipment is exhibited – aircraft, guns, vehicles of the German army and the armies of the allies who fought against the Nazis. The museum contains many archival documents and photographs.
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Strasbourg Hospital wine cellar
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The wine cellar of the Strasbourg Hospital was built in 1395. Made of stone, it survived the fire of 1716 safely. Today, the building has not lost its significance; rare wines made in the 15th century are still stored in the cellar. A barrel of wine of 450 liters, dating from 1472, was opened for tasting only three times, including in 1944 on the day Strasbourg was liberated from the Nazis. In 1994, part of the wine cellar was turned into a museum, which exhibits the best brands of wines and equipment for their production.
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Island nature reserve on the Rhine
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The Rhine Island Nature Reserve was established in 1979 with the aim of protecting and conserving the forests and grasslands of the Upper Rhine.
The island of Rinau is home to a large number of birds and animals. Employees conduct research and practical work to preserve the unique alluvial forest, where there are 500 plant species, including lianas, dozens of mushroom species, large populations of wild bees and bumblebees. Wild boars, deer, badgers, foxes, beavers are found in the park. During the cold season, the reserve becomes home to thousands of wintering birds. There are special trails for tourists in the park.
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Grand Mosque
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The Grand Mosque of Strasbourg, opened in 2012, features original architecture. The author of the project, Italian Paolo Portoghesi, gave the Muslim temple a futuristic image – a huge dome is installed on a massive square base with eight pointed “wings” in the shape of a crescent. The prayer hall of the Great Mosque of Strasbourg can accommodate 2,700 people. Traditional Islamic ornaments were used in the design of the interior space.
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Place Kléber
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Place Kleber – the main one in Strasbourg – named after General Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a native of the city. In 1818, by decree of Louis XVIII, Kleber’s body was buried in the square. A monument with bas-reliefs depicting fragments of the battle in Egypt was erected over the general’s grave. The area is decorated with two fountains. The surrounding buildings of the 18th-19th centuries housed cafes, restaurants and shops. By Christmas, the main Christmas tree of Alsace is set up on the square.
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Church of All Saints
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In 2004, the parish of the Russian Orthodox Church was officially registered in Strasbourg. After 7 years, the community was given a place for the construction of the church. In 2017, Strasbourg decorated the Church of All Saints in the style of Russian northern tent architecture, the result of the joint work of French and Russian architects.
The All Saints Church housed a representative office of the Moscow diocese. In addition to the prayer hall, the building accommodates a hall for conferences, meetings and reception of delegations, offices, residential and utility rooms.
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De Rive Garden
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The garden “De Rive”, or “Garden of two banks”, is located on the border of French Strasbourg and German Kehl. In order to strengthen the Franco-German friendship, a common recreation area was created on the site of the former customs posts. The cities separated by the Rhine were connected by a beautiful suspension bridge.
On the territory of 60 hectares walking alleys were laid, children’s and sports grounds were built, benches for rest were installed. Many ornamental shrubs and colorful flower beds have been planted. Residents and guests of both cities love to relax on spacious grassy lawns.
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Strasbourg Route: Strasbourg’s German Quarter
Strasbourg’s close proximity to the German border is the reason why German culture has influenced much of the city’s social and cultural life.
This walking tour will take you to some of the most visited sights in Strasbourg’s German Quarter.
The German district of Neustadt is a prime memory of Wilhelminian architecture, as most major cities in Germany were subjected to intense destruction during World War II. The streets, boulevards and avenues are uniform, surprisingly high (up to seven stories) and wide examples of German urban planning and this architectural style, which combines five centuries of European architecture, as well as Neo-Egyptian, Neo-Greek and Neo-Babylonian styles. Former Imperial Palace Palais du Rhin , the most political and therefore heavily criticized of all German Strasbourg buildings, epitomizes the grand scale and stylistic solidity of this period. But two of the most beautiful and ornate buildings of this time are the École internationale des Pontonniers (the former Höhere Mädchenschule, with its turrets, turrets and many round and square corners), and the Haute école des arts du Rhin with its ornate painted brick façade, wood and majolica.
Notable streets in the German area include: Avenue de la Forêt Noire, Avenue des Vosges, Avenue d’Alsace, Avenue de la Marseillaise, Avenue de la Liberté, Boulevard de la Victoire, Rue Sellénick, Rue du Général de Castelnau, Rue du Maréchal Foch, and Rue du Maréchal Joffre. Notable squares in the German area include Place de la République, Place de l’Université, Place Brant and Place Arnold.
- Route: Strasbourg German Quarter
- Tour duration: 1 hour
- Travel distance: 1.2 km
Strasbourg Route: German Quarter of Strasbourg
Background: German capture of Strasbourg:
In July 1870 a new war began. Already in August, the Prussians under the command of General August von Werder invaded Alsace and laid siege to Strasbourg. The city was poorly prepared, and its 17th-century fortified walls were unsuitable for modern artillery fire.
On September 28, 1870, after more than a month of continuous bombardment, Strasbourg capitulated and the Prussians entered the city.
The Frankfurt Treaty, signed on May 10, 1871, linked the Upper Rhine, the Lower Rhine (with the exception of the Belfort district), part of the Moselle, part of Meurthe and some municipalities of the Vosges with the German Empire. Strasbourg becomes the capital of the Reichsland Elsass-Lothringen. The inhabitants of Strasbourg were very upset by the result of the war and dependence on Germany.
However, the Germans decided to make Strasbourg a showcase for their know-how, so they invested a lot in the prosperity of the city. An extensive urbanization plan was developed, the German quarter of Strasbourg – Neustadt was born. It is organized along two axes: avenues des Vosges and the Black Forest from west to east, and the present avenue Mira to the north. Imperial Square (now Republic Square) is the new center of the city, combining the post office, the Imperial Palace, the university library and, a little further, the new university. A new station was built, as well as several churches, notably St.
Paul’s Church. The city grew and modernized considerably before the First World War.
The First World War, however, will put an end to this prosperity. Unlike the conflict of 1870, Strasbourg was well prepared for war.
Strasbourg Route: Strasbourg German Quarter:
Strasbourg German Quarter:
XIX century and one of the best preserved examples of German neoclassical style in Alsace.
The architecture of this huge square building with a central dome was inspired by Palazzo Pitti in Florence. The interior is as stunning as the exterior, with a frescoed dome in the audience chamber, an ornate vaulted ceiling in the main ballroom, and coffered ceilings in other rooms. Magnificent white marble central staircase with fountains and small ponds on each side of the stairs.
At the end of the Franco-Prussian War, the newly established German government faced the problem of accommodating the king’s face in case the Emperor visited Strasbourg.
The Imperial Palace was built on Republic Square and opened in 1889year. Between its opening and 1914, the emperor stayed there only a dozen times, which led people to complain about the cost of its construction. During World War I, the palace was used as a military hospital.
In 1920 it became the home of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) and its name changed from the Imperial Palace to its current name.
During the 2nd World War it became first a Nazi command base and then a general part of Leclerc’s army. The palace escaped destruction in the seventies; instead, it was restored. The CCNR has returned to the palace, and today it shares the premises with the Department of Cultural Affairs.
2) Place de la République (must see)
Place de la République is located in the heart of Strasbourg’s German Quarter. The square is located on the border between the historic city and the new one. It is surrounded on three sides by only five buildings, none of which are residential: the Parliament of Alsace-Lorraine (now the National Theater of Strasbourg), the Emperor’s Palace (now the Palais du Rhin), which is a mixture of different architectural styles (Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Classical ), the National and University Library, the Prefecture of Grand Est and Bas-Rhin, and the tax center Hôtel des impôts.
All these buildings are classified as “monuments of history”.
Why visit:
To see one, if not the only, remaining example of incredible German architecture in the world, as all of the stunning examples in Germany were destroyed in World War II.
3) National Library and University
You will find the National Library and University (Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire) in Place de la République and even if you don’t feel like borrowing a book, don’t miss visiting this beautiful building.
The original municipal library contained priceless collections of manuscripts, but they, along with the building, were destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War. The current building was built in 1872 to replace the previous one.
The first administrator of the new library, Carl August Barak, launched an international appeal for new books to fill the almost empty shelves. The response was immediate, and by 1895 the library had received over a million books and manuscripts.
The task of sorting them was entrusted to professor and historian Roldolf Reuss, while the building was expanded by August Hartel and Skjold Neckelmann.
The building was damaged during the 1st World War and was renovated in the early twenties by the French city council. At the beginning of World War II, most of the collection was confiscated and hidden. Unfortunately, due to heavy bombing of the city, some caches and books in them were destroyed.
The library was rebuilt in the 1950s and today it houses over three million volumes, including 2300 incunabula, 6700 manuscripts and 5200 papyri.
4) Strasbourg National Theater
This is the only national theater in Alsace, located in the huge neoclassical building built for the Strasbourg Assembly in 1892 by August Hartel and Skjold Neckelmann on the Place de la République.
The building has several theater halls, a high school of dramatic arts, rehearsal rooms, company premises, scenery workshops and administrative offices.
The theater was founded in 1968 and took the place of the drama center L’Est, which closed. Its director, Hubert Ginho, wrote to the Minister of Culture, André Malraux, requesting that a national theater be established on the site of the CDE. The theater is still under the Ministry of Culture.
During each season, the theater puts on 15 performances. At the end of each season, the theater hosts the premiere festivals, which present about a dozen new contemporary performances by young aspiring European directors.
5) Tommy Ungerer Museum
Opened in November 2007, this museum is dedicated to the work of the Strasbourg-born artist Tommy Ungerer. It features 8,000 graphic works created by Ungerer and some of his most famous colleagues (Saul Steinberg, Ronald Searle, André François…) as well as a large collection of vintage toys and Ungerer’s regular special exhibitions.
The museum is located in one half of the Villa Greiner, a spacious villa built in 1884 and spread over three floors.
The first floor is dedicated to Ungerer’s work as a children’s book illustrator, the 2nd floor is dedicated to his work as a political cartoonist and satirical cartoonist. The basement is accessible to children: it is dedicated to his erotic and semi-pornographic drawings. The museum is located in a beautiful garden.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 10 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesdays
6) Avenue de la Marseillaise
The song was written in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg after the French declaration of war against Austria, and was originally called “Song of the Hero of the Rhine” (“War Song for the Army of the Rhine “).
The French National Assembly adopted it as the national anthem in 1795. The song got its nickname after volunteers from Marseille sang it in Paris as they marched to the capital. The song is the first example of the “European march” style. The anthem’s catchy melody and lyrics have led to its widespread use as a revolutionary song and inclusion in many works of classical and popular music.
The lyrics of the song reflect the invasion of France by foreign armies (from Prussia and Austria) taking place at the time of writing the Marseillaise. Strasbourg was attacked just a few days later. The invading force was repulsed from France after their defeat at the Battle of Valmy. Since the vast majority of Alsatians did not speak French, a German version (“Auf, Brüder, auf dem Tag Entgegen”) was published in October 1792 in Colmar.
7) Church of St. Paul
Don’t miss St. Paul’s Church, which stands in Gothic Revival splendor on the south bank of the island in the middle of the widest part of the Ile River.
This magnificent church was built in 1897 for the Lutheran community of the Imperial German Army stationed in Strasbourg. Graceful twin spiers are 76 meters high and dominate the skyline.
The church is wider than its length and has 19 separate entrances. The reason for this is severe discrimination in the army in accordance with the rank, so that each level has its own separate entrance: from the Emperor – when he lived in the residence – to the generals and further down to the foot soldiers.
The architect was Louis Müller, who chose the beautiful Elisabeth of Marburg church as the basis for the project, with three huge ornate rose windows copied from the church of St. Thomas.
The building was damaged during the Anglo-American bombardment in 1944, as were the stained glass windows. During a terrible hailstorm in 1958, the windows were again damaged, so that the only remaining original parts are along the nave, as well as the east and south rose windows.
Under the rose window in the east transept you will see the heraldic flags of Alsace, Baden, Bavaria, the Empire, Mecklenburg and Prussia. The pipe organ dates back to 1897 and is one of the largest in Alsace.
- Churches of Alsace
8) University Palace
Palais Universitaire. The university, which is the largest in France, was founded in 1538 by Johannes Strum, a German educator who was responsible for establishing a German gymnasium (the equivalent of a high school) in Alsace.
The teachings at the gymnasium were based on Lutheran humanism.
The Gymnasium became a university in 1621 and ten years later it was elevated to the status of the Queen’s University. After the French Revolution, most of the teachers were French and the curriculum was based on French university education.
These teachers fled during the Franco-Prussian War and in 1870 German teachers were installed and the university was reopened under the name of Kaiser Wilhelm. During the German rule, the university expanded many times to display the superior German culture compared to the French.
In 1918 most of the German teachers left when Alsace was returned to France. During the 2nd World War, the university was moved to Clermont-Ferrand, and the building became the Reichsuniversität Strasburg for a short time, and then was restored in France in 1944 year.
In 1970 it was divided into three independent faculties: Louis Pasteur University, Marc Bloch University and Robert Schumann University.
