Rebuilt in 1956, the Ancienne Douane stands proudly. It mirrors its original medieval design. We’re standing before the Ancienne Douane or Old Customs House. This building whispers tales of Strasbourg’s rich trading history.
The Ancienne Douane is on the Grande Île. This is Strasbourg’s historical heart. The river Ill splits into two arms shaping this island. For centuries Strasbourg held a major economic advantage. This was thanks to its river access.
Imagine the scene in 1358. The city built this warehouse. It had a special section for reselling goods. Duty had been paid on these products. The Ancienne Douane quickly became a focal point. Goods transferred between Rhine barges and smaller boats. Merchants declared their goods here. They also paid their duties.
The boatmen of Strasbourg held a monopoly. From the 13th to 16th centuries all goods on the Rhine had to pass through Strasbourg. The Ancienne Douane was expanded in the late 14th century. Shops and stalls were added. Another expansion happened in 1781.
Inside the Ancienne Douane, picture a vast hall. It had crenelated gables. A vast landing wharf was built in 1393 just west of here. It featured two monumental derricks. These derricks disappeared in 1865. They were timber-frame buildings with rotating turrets. Winches lifted goods weighing up to a ton. Deer heads decorated the derrick arms. This recognized the animals that once helped lift merchandise.
The Ancienne Douane has seen many changes. In 1401 a butcher named Spanbett bought the ground floor. He opened an inn. This inn burned down in 1497. It was rebuilt in 1507 using funds from the Œuvre Notre-Dame. In 1751 the city architect Boudhors enlarged the Kaafhüs. Cranes dating from the 14th century were operated by men in squirrel cages. These cranes only disappeared in the 18th century.
In 1803, it officially became the Ancienne Douane. It served as a wine market until 1842. Later in 1853, a tobacco warehouse was installed. By 1897, it functioned as the city’s fish market.
Tragedy struck on August 11 1944. British and American bombing raids heavily damaged the Ancienne Douane. It was left in ruins for almost two decades. Architect Robert Will rebuilt it between 1962 and 1965. He followed the medieval plans. The rebuilt Ancienne Douane reopened.
Today the Ancienne Douane houses a restaurant. There is also a covered market and an exhibition gallery. Here you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. You can also reflect on its long history.
So as you explore the Ancienne Douane remember its story. It is a story of trade resilience and rebirth. From customs house to modern venue the Ancienne Douane remains a symbol of Strasbourg.