A small street with a big name
The rue Sainte-Barbe is a narrow little street tucked away in the heart of Strasbourg. It connects the busy Grand’rue to the place Gutenberg. If you are not looking for it you might actually walk right past it. It is named after Saint Barbara who is the patron saint of many things including people who deal with explosions. This seems a bit dramatic for a street that mostly deals with hungry tourists and people looking for clothes. It has a very old soul despite the modern shop windows.
From religious silence to city noise
Back in the middle ages this area was much quieter than it is today. The street gets its name from a convent of sisters that used to be located nearby. These religious women probably spent their days in prayer and silence. Now the street is filled with the sound of people dropping their ice cream and complaining about the price of souvenirs. It is quite a transformation from a place of holy reflection to a shortcut for busy shoppers. The buildings still look grand enough to remind you of its important past.
The survival of the old walls
Walking down rue Sainte-Barbe feels like a bit of a time warp. Many of the houses date back several centuries. They have the classic half timbered style that makes everyone search for their camera to shoot some photos. Some of these buildings have survived wars and fires and the general chaos of history. They lean over the street slightly as if they are trying to whisper secrets to the people passing below. It is a miracle they are still standing given how narrow the foundations are.
An anecdote about hidden treasures
There are always stories about hidden rooms and ancient cellars in this part of Strasbourg. Many of the old houses along rue Sainte-Barbe have deep basements that were used for storing wine or hiding valuables. During various sieges of the city these narrow streets were the only places where people felt somewhat safe. Local legend says that if you dig deep enough you might find something more interesting than just old pipes. Most people just find a very expensive boutique instead.
