Wine cellar of the Hôpital civil, Strasbourg, Historical wine cellar at Civil Hospital in Strasbourg, France
The wine cellar of Hôpital civil is a large vaulted room beneath the hospital filled with large oak barrels and several ancient casks spanning different centuries. The space holds a collection of regional wines that are maintained by wine specialists.
The cellar began in 1395 when the hospital was founded and needed storage for wine donations from patients and donors who paid for care. The space expanded over centuries as the hospital grew and the collection of wines increased.
The cellar shows how wine was woven into hospital life and local commerce in medieval Strasbourg. Visitors can sense how donations and gifts shaped the institution's survival and how regional producers supported its work.
The cellar is located beneath the Hôpital civil in central Strasbourg and can be visited with guided tours led by wine experts. It is wise to check ahead about available visiting times, as access is limited and depends on the hospital's schedule.
The cellar holds a barrel containing wine from 1472 that remained untouched for more than 500 years and was opened only during major historical moments. This single barrel was served during key events including Strasbourg's liberation.
Location: Strasbourg
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Operator: Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-12:00,13:30-17:30; Saturday 09:00-12:30
GPS coordinates: 48.57680,7.74842
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
Alsace has preserved its historical structures through the centuries. The region extends from Rhine valley vineyards to forested Vosges heights and displays its past through castles, abbeys and museums. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg stands above the Rhine plain, while Fort de Mutzig demonstrates early 20th-century German military architecture. Abbaye de Murbach ranks among the region's significant Romanesque buildings. Alsatian gardens combine botanical collections with historical grounds. Jardin Botanique Universitaire de Strasbourg presents over 6,000 plant species, Parc de Wesserling documents textile history through its grounds. Roseraie de Saverne displays more than 500 rose varieties. In the Vosges, Sentier des Roches crosses rock formations and mountain ridges, while Route des Crêtes connects summits over 50 miles (80 kilometers). Cultural heritage appears in village squares like Place de la Dîme in Eguisheim and in specialized collections. Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder exhibits glass art, Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg has stored wines since the 16th century. Maison Rurale de l'Outre-Forêt documents rural life, while Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg counts among France's oldest university observatories.
Strasbourg offers numerous photographic opportunities beyond its main attractions. The city presents a collection of historic timber-framed houses, medieval bridges, hidden courtyards and notable architectural monuments from various periods. From the hieroglyph-adorned Maison Égyptienne to the neoclassical University Palace, from ancient defensive structures to Art Nouveau villas, these sites reveal authentic aspects of Strasbourg's heritage. In the tanners' quarter, the Maison des Tanneurs documents the medieval craft tradition, while the Cour du Corbeau, with its multi-story wooden galleries, represents one of the city's oldest preserved inns. Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants leads through a quiet collection of historic residences, and Place de la République demonstrates the late 19th-century Prussian urban planning. The Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century defensive installation, provides wide views over the Ill River and the Ponts Couverts from its rooftop terrace. Away from the tourist crowds, additional photogenic locations include the vaulted cellars of the Cave des Hospices Civils, where wine has been stored for centuries, the Art Nouveau architecture along Allée de la Robertsau, and the neoclassical facade of the Lycée des Pontonniers. Place Saint-Étienne and Place Saint-Thomas show everyday city life in historic settings. These locations enable photographs that go beyond typical postcard views and provide a nuanced perspective on Strasbourg's architectural diversity.
Hôpital civil, Strasbourg
187 m
Musée alsacien
305 m
Ancienne Douane
311 m
Théâtre de la Chouc'routerie
294 m
Église Saint-Louis de Strasbourg
271 m
Saint-Nicolas Church
170 m
Cardo
112 m
Médiathèque protestante de Strasbourg
280 m
Tour-porte de l'Hôpital civil de Strasbourg
87 m
Église catholique de l'Hôpital civil
111 m
Chapelle Saint-Erhard de Strasbourg
75 m
Pont Saint-Nicolas
222 m
Maison au 5, rue des Bouchers à Strasbourg
309 m
Hôtel de Franck, Strasbourg
174 m
Maison au 20, rue des Bouchers à Strasbourg
253 m
Immeuble au 4, quai Saint-Thomas à Strasbourg
260 m
Maison au 13, quai Saint-Nicolas à Strasbourg
209 m
Hôtel d'Ettenheimmunster
89 m
Hôtel Weitz
267 m
Maison Lauth
278 m
Maison, 14 quai Saint-Nicolas, Strasbourg
222 m
Maison au 20, quai Saint-Nicolas à Strasbourg
268 m
Maison au 24, quai Saint-Nicolas à Strasbourg
313 m
Maison au 1, quai Saint-Nicolas à Strasbourg
194 m
Maison, 16 quai Saint-Nicolas, Strasbourg
226 m
Maison au 15, quai Saint-Nicolas à Strasbourg
224 m
Maison, 23 quai Saint-Nicolas, Strasbourg
303 m
Pipe organ of Église Saint-Louis de Strasbourg
271 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes