Remember Adrien de Lezay-Marnésia? His statue stands proudly at the corner. It marks the majestic facade of what we know as the Hôtel de la Préfecture. But it was once called Hôtel de Klinglin. This hôtel particulier boasts a rich history. Its story involves royal moneylenders and French governors.
Let’s delve into the history of the Hôtel de la Préfecture. Construction began in 1732. It concluded in 1736. Jean-Pierre Pflug and Joseph Massol were the architects. François-Joseph de Klinglin commissioned this grand building. He was a royal moneylender.
The Hôtel de la Préfecture features a unique design. It has a straight and a crescent-shaped facade. Most Strasbourg buildings have two straight facades.
Klinglin faced disgrace and imprisonment in 1752. The hôtel then became the seat of the royal Intendancy of Alsace. It remained so until the French Revolution.
From 1789 to 1799 it housed the Directoire du district. Since 1800 it has been the residence of the Bas-Rhin prefect. There were two intervals. From 1871 to 1918 it housed the Statthalter of Alsace-Lorraine. Between 1940 and 1944 it served as the Gauleiter’s residence.
The Siege of Strasbourg in 1870 caused heavy damage. Prussian artillery heavily shelled the Hôtel de la Préfecture. Exterior walls withstood. However the roof collapsed. Almost all interiors were destroyed.
Reconstruction happened quickly. Original material was used as much as possible. Jean Geoffroy Conrath oversaw the work. The roof shape was modified. A balcony was added. Conrath also rebuilt the nearby opera house.
A portal added in 1747 by Joseph Massol graces Rue Brûlée. Sculpted lions guard this entrance. They are amazing.
Today the Hôtel de la Préfecture continues its service. It is the residence of the Bas-Rhin prefect. The administrative functions are housed elsewhere. They are at the Préfecture administrative on Place de la République.
The Hôtel de la Préfecture is typically closed to tourists. European Heritage Days are special. The hôtel opens its doors then.
The Hôtel de Klinglin has been listed as a monument historique since 1970.