Ancienne Douane, Gothic administrative building in Grande Île, Strasbourg, France
The Ancienne Douane sits along the Ill River with a facade displaying medieval architectural forms and a waterside terrace. It now contains a restaurant with river views and a covered market space where local farmers sell their goods.
Built in 1358 for a boatmen's guild, the structure served to manage goods traveling along the Rhine River. It played an important role in storing salt that arrived from Lorraine.
The building's German name, Kaufhaus, shows how Strasbourg has been shaped by both French and German influences over centuries. Visitors can observe how it still serves as a marketplace and meeting place for the community.
The building sits right along the riverbank and is easy to reach from the city center. The terrace provides a pleasant spot to sit while taking in the surroundings.
The building was reconstructed by architect Robert Will between 1962 and 1965 after World War II damage. He combined modern concrete construction with the original medieval floor plans to restore it.
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