Ever wondered how a street earns a name like Rue de l’Aimant? This street is a small north-south street in Strasbourg. It runs from the Grand’Rue to number 17 on Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes. Rue de l’Aimant is parallel to Rue des Lentilles and Rue du Coq. These streets lie further west. But the story behind its magnetic moniker is more captivating than its location.
The name “Rue de l’Aimant” translates to Magnet Street. But it has nothing to do with magnetism. The street’s identity has evolved through many names over the centuries. In 1342 it was called Manökelinsgesselin. By 1463 it became Monockelsgasse. In 1681 it was known as Magnetengässel. In 1794 during the French Revolution it was named rue des Jurés. Finally, in 1945 it returned to Rue de l’Aimant.
The initial names actually refer to a colorator Erberlin Manöckelin. The corruption of his name eventually led to Magnetengässel. This was then translated as Rue de l’Aimant.
Look around at numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8. These buildings were built in the late 19th century. The Caisse d’Épargne de Strasbourg owns them. Before 1870, the savings bank invested in worker housing. In 1882 it returned to this social mission. In 1892, the bank acquired two old buildings on Rue de l’Aimant and Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes. It demolished them. Four new houses were built. They met all hygiene requirements. These had a ground floor and three stories. About thirty apartments were rented exclusively to workers. The street widened from 2 to 7 meters. This provided more air and light to neighboring houses.
The municipality installed bilingual street signs in French and Alsatian in 1995. Magnetgässel is one of them. Rue de l’Aimant has seen many changes. It reflects Strasbourg’s rich history. It is more than just a street. It is a story etched in stone and time. As you walk along Rue de l’Aimant imagine the lives that have passed through here. Think of the artisans, workers and residents who shaped this place.