Gutenberg Square

Johannes Gutenberg - the patron saint of the square

Johannes Gutenberg was born around 1400 in Mainz. From 1434 - 1447 Gutenberg lived and worked in Strasbourg. Here he founded a financing company with Andreas Dritzehn, Andreas Heilmann and Hans Riffe to finance materials for the construction of a press and the purchase of lead. However, the project was not realized until 1450 in Mainz. Today, Strasbourg honors the square's namesake with a statue by David d'Angers.

Architecture at Gutenberg Square

Gutenberg Square impresses with its well-preserved half-timbered houses built in the Middle Ages, which blend harmoniously with buildings from the Renaissance period into the overall picture of the square. Right next to the centrally placed Gutenberg statue is an old carousel that invites people of all ages to linger.

Chamber of Commerce

In 1580, the city of Strasbourg built the old town hall on Gutenberg Square.
In the Renaissance building, the architect Hans Schoch and the master builder Paul Murer combined Ionic, Corinthian and Tuscan elements. The classical arched doorway matches the arcades of the basement. The roof of the corner building is plain, gable-like terminations common in the Renaissance are completely missing. Next to the old town hall was the Hotel du Commerce, also built in the 16th century. From the hotel, Arthur Young, a writer, watched as various town records and court records were destroyed during the French Revolution. Today, the building houses the Chamber of Commerce, Chambre de Commerce. In the 19th century, a third wing was added in a side alley. The three-storey building is a major feature of the appearance of Gutenberg Square. The Renaissance building is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Gastronomy at Gutenberg-Platz

The restaurant of the Fischer brewery is located directly on Gutenberg-Platz. The "Zuem Stadtwappe" offers French and European cuisine.
In the immediate vicinity gourmets will find the "Au Gutenberg". The regional cuisine is known for the tasty, richly topped tarte flambée and other regional specialities.
Both restaurants are also suitable for vegetarians.
In warm weather, the spacious outdoor areas of the cafés and restaurants invite you to linger and observe the square filled with bustling life.

Parking at Gutenberg Square

Directly in the area of the square is a large underground car park. Its central location makes it a good starting point for visiting Strasbourg's old town.

Events at Gutenberg Square

Depending on the season, various events take place at Gutenberg Square in Strasbourg. At the time of the Advent market, the whole square is illuminated. The "Christkindlesmärik" is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. On Gutenberg Square, stalls present handicrafts and gastronomic specialities. Especially the Boulles mousse (chocolate balls with soft foam filling) are worth a visit.