Place Gutenberg

Place Gutenberg is a historic square in the heart of the Grande Île of Strasbourg, in the Alsace area of France's Grand Est region, a short walk from Place Kléber and the cathedral. At its centre stands a bronze statue of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable-type printing, who worked in Strasbourg in the 1430s and 1440s. The statue, by the sculptor David d'Angers and dating from the 19th century, shows Gutenberg holding a sheet with the words And there was light, and its base has reliefs showing the spread of printing across the world. The square is bordered by the Chambre de Commerce, a Renaissance-style building, and the old town hall, called the Hôtel de Ville, which was once the Hanau mansion. Café terraces and shops line the edges, and the square hosts events and a Christmas market stall cluster in December. It is a small place and a visit takes only about 15 minutes, although it is a good place to sit with a coffee and watch the daily life of the city. The square is reached by Tram A, B, C, D or F to Homme de Fer, then about six minutes on foot. It is busiest on weekend afternoons and during Christmas market season, and is quiet in the early morning and late evening. Daytime gives the best light on the statue and the facades, and the square is a handy point to orient oneself between the cathedral and the shopping streets. Visitors who are interested in printing history can add a visit to the cathedral area, where Gutenberg's era is also reflected in local museums. The square is open at all times and free to visit, and nearby streets such as Rue Mercière offer good lunch options. Pickpockets can be active in crowds, so valuables should be kept secure.