Picture this a quaint village nestled near Strasbourg. This is Reichstett a place with a rich history spanning centuries.
Reichstett first appears in a document from 1163. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is mentioned. He bequeathed Rinstett’s suburban properties to Strasbourg’s Saint-Thomas Church. A noble family lived there from 1271 to 1486. Their line ended with Nicolas de Rinstett.
Life in Reichstett wasn’t always peaceful. In 1622 pillaging bands completely destroyed the village. Ten years later Swedes forced everyone to evacuate. By 1667 only 80 residents remained. They paid tithes to the village priest. A 1670 document describes Reichstett as prosperous with fertile land a beautiful forest and well-cultivated fields. Reichstett faced further hardship during the two World Wars. It served as a camp for Russian and Italian prisoners of war. The village experienced the annexation into the German Reich. It was finally liberated in 1944 by General Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division.
The impact of those wars resonated for over 50 years. Imagine the resilience of the Reichstett people. They rebuilt their lives and their community. Today’s Reichstett is different. It’s a green haven near the city. Its quality of life is praised. Local governments preserved the natural environment. They developed a lake a children’s forest an apiary park and a scenic promenade.
Reichstett boasts a rich cultural heritage. Fort Rapp and the Alsatian House Park are real meeting places. Many half-timbered houses preserve the village’s rural identity. Around 70 sports cultural and religious associations add to its dynamism. Quality infrastructure supports these groups. The village’s economy thrives. There are four business zones including the Rammelplatz areas a shopping promenade and an ecopark.
Reichstett’s story isn’t finished. In the coming years more than 500 homes will be built. This will welcome 1000 to 1500 new inhabitants. Come experience Reichstett’s charm. Discover its past and its promising future.