Lost in the labyrinthine heart of Strasbourg’s historic center stands Rue des Aveugles. Its very name whispers secrets. A narrow pedestrian lane it connects the bustling Grand’Rue to the quieter Rue du 22-Novembre.
Rue des Aveugles meaning Blind Alley in English has a rich history stretching back centuries. Records show it existed as early as 1252 under the Latin name Vicus caecorum. Over the years it changed names several times reflecting the city’s shifting political landscapes and languages. The name Blindengasse in German also reflects its history. Since 1995 bilingual street signs in both French and Alsatian proudly display its name Blindegässsel.
In the mid-19th century this area was densely populated. Tall buildings crowded together. Many were old dark houses. They lacked courtyards or gardens. They housed a large working-class population. Children were plentiful. Adults frequented numerous taverns and breweries. Rue des Aveugles was a vibrant microcosm of life in 19th-century Strasbourg.
The original Rue des Aveugles extended further than it does today. It originally connected to the Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants. Sadly the section beyond Grand’Rue was lost during the Grande Percée of 1912 a major urban renewal project. This unfortunately destroyed much of the old fabric of the city. The street that now exists is a vestige of what once was.
Notable buildings once stood along Rue des Aveugles. A beautiful neoclassical building from the 18th century marked the corner of number 39 Grand’Rue. Sadly other structures were not as fortunate. Houses numbered 1 and 3 were demolished during the Grande Percée. Number 4 a small artisan’s house was rebuilt in 1911 after being incorporated into number 9. Number 6 still stands boasting the upper part of an old water pump on its façade. A reminder of a bygone era.
Today Rue des Aveugles though a smaller part of its former self remains a charming pedestrian street. It offers a quiet respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. It also serves as a tangible link to Strasbourg’s layered past. Each building each cobblestone echoes the lives lived and stories told within its narrow confines. It is a testament to time’s relentless march. Yet it stands as a poignant reminder of a rich and varied history. So next time you’re in Strasbourg. Take a moment to wander down Rue des Aveugles and imagine the lives it has witnessed.