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Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg: A Journey Through Alsatian Wine History

Discover centuries of Alsatian winemaking tradition in a medieval cellar, home to the world's oldest barrelled white wine since 1472.

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The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg is a medieval wine cellar dating back to 1395, located within the Civil Hospital of Strasbourg. It showcases centuries of Alsatian winemaking tradition, boasting impressive vaulted cellars and ancient oak barrels, including one containing wine from 1472, reputedly the world's oldest barrelled white wine.

A brief summary to Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience.
  • Take the audioguide tour for a more in-depth understanding of the cellar's history and wine collection.
  • Check for special open days for possible wine tastings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg is located in the heart of Strasbourg, a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral. From the cathedral, walk south towards the Place de l'Hôpital. The cellar is located within the Civil Hospital complex, in the basement of the 18th-century building of the General Directorate. Enter the hospital via the main gate on Rue de l'Hôpital and follow the signs.

  • Public Transport

    The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg is easily accessible by tram. Take tram lines A or D to the 'Porte de l'Hôpital' stop. From the tram stop, walk towards the Civil Hospital. The cellar is located within the hospital complex, in the basement of the 18th-century building of the General Directorate. A single tram ticket costs approximately €2.10 if loaded on a contactless ticket. A 24-hour ticket is available for €4.60, offering unlimited travel.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter the hospital grounds via Quai Louis Pasteur. Turn right at the roundabout past the gate, continue to the end of the hospital, and turn left. The cellar will be in front of you. Parking is available within the hospital grounds, with the first half-hour being free. Several parking garages are also located near the hospital, such as the Parking Saint-Nicolas, with hourly rates starting from approximately €2.50.

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Discover more about Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg

Step into the heart of Alsatian wine history at the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, a remarkable wine cellar established in 1395. Located within the Civil Hospital of Strasbourg, this historical site offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich viticultural past. Originally, the cellar served to store wine and other goods, contributing to the hospital's self-sufficiency. The hospital accepted donations of land and harvests as payment for medical expenses, leading to its extensive wine collection. Today, the cellar houses a collection of exceptional wines, carefully selected from partner winemakers who restored the cellar in the 1990s to continue this age-old tradition. The vaulted cellars extend over 1,200 square meters and feature a gallery of fifty enormous oak barrels, some dating back to the 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Among the treasures is a barrel containing wine from 1472, considered the world's oldest white wine still in its barrel. Though no longer for consumption, this wine has been served on three historic occasions, including to General Leclerc upon the liberation of Strasbourg in 1944. Visitors can explore the cellars freely or with an audioguide, immersing themselves in the history and ambiance of this unique location. The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg symbolizes a tradition, ancestral expertise, and the generosity, diversity, and beauty of Alsace.

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