Question: Can you pass the Strasbourg belly test? The B\u00fcchmesser stands before you. It is a pink sandstone column. This column has a unique history. It is more than just an architectural element.
The B\u00fcchmesser dates back to 1567. It stands on the corner of rue Merci\u00e8re. It is near the Strasbourg Cathedral. Its name means “belly measurer” in German.
Long ago, city council members used this column. They tested their bellies after feasting. This happened on Schw\u00f6rtag. Schw\u00f6rtag was a day for renewing oaths to the constitution. The vow involved much wining and dining.
After banquets, council members visited different corporations. Then they tried to squeeze between the B\u00fcchmesser and the wall. The space was only 35 centimeters wide. If they could not fit, it was time for a diet.
Strasbourg has switched between French and German control. This explains the German name. Today, Strasbourg is French. Yet, traces of German culture remain. The B\u00fcchmesser is one such trace.
The tradition of Schw\u00f6rtag dates back to the 14th century. The current B\u00fcchmesser was built later. It became a historical monument in 1936. It was restored in 2016.
In 2009, a restoration attempt sparked controversy. People felt it was not done correctly. A complete restoration followed in February 2016. The company Meazza handled the work. Fabien Michel, a heritage architect, directed the project. The base and shaft were replaced with rose sandstone. Decorative rings and moldings were reproduced.
The B\u00fcchmesser faced the challenge of time. The original sandstone suffered damage. The restoration ensured its preservation.
So, are you ready to try the belly test? Can you slip through the 35-centimeter space? If so, you are good to go. No diet is needed. The B\u00fcchmesser awaits. It stands as a testament to Strasbourg’s history and traditions. It is a reminder of a time when feasting and oaths went hand in hand.