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Place du Corbeau: A Square with a Dark Past

Discover Place du Corbeau in Strasbourg: a historic square with a dark past, now a charming destination with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere.

Place du Corbeau, or Raven Square, is a charming square in Strasbourg with a dark history. Once a site for public executions, where condemned criminals were drowned in the river, it now offers a picturesque glimpse into the city's past with its well-preserved buildings and lively atmosphere.

A brief summary to Place du corbeau

  • Strasbourg, FR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
  • Try local pastries at nearby cafes for a taste of Alsatian culture.
  • Check for local events or markets that may be happening during your visit for an authentic experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Place du Corbeau is located within Strasbourg's Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Strasbourg Cathedral, walk south towards the river Ill and cross the Pont du Corbeau. The square will be immediately on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Strasbourg public transport system (CTS) provides easy access to Place du Corbeau. Several bus lines serve the square, and the nearest tram stops are Porte de l'Hôpital (Lines A and D), about a 5-minute walk away. From the Strasbourg train station, take Tram A or D to Porte de l'Hôpital. A single ticket costs €1.90 and is valid for one hour with unlimited transfers.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Strasbourg. A taxi ride from the Strasbourg train station to Place du Corbeau typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and time of day. Note that Uber is not available in Strasbourg.

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Discover more about Place du corbeau

Place du Corbeau, nestled near the Corbeau bridge over the Ill River in Strasbourg, carries a captivating yet grim history. From the 14th to 17th centuries, it was known as 'Bei der Schindbrücke,' meaning 'near the bridge of execution,' a place where criminals met their end by drowning. In 1849, the square was renamed Place du Corbeau, but its name changed again to Rabenplatz during the German annexation of Alsace-Lorraine in 1872. The name Place du Corbeau was restored in 1918, only to revert to Rabenplatz during the Nazi occupation from 1940 to 1944. Although four beautiful houses that once graced the Ill River banks were lost during World War II, the Brasserie du Canon, where Jérôme Hatt first brewed Kronenbourg beer in 1664, still stands. Today, Place du Corbeau is a vibrant square where visitors can admire the architecture, soak in the local atmosphere, and explore nearby attractions like the Strasbourg Cathedral and Petite France.

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