PLACE KLEBER

Place Kleber represents the heart of the city. When the new tram system was installed, it was renovated and enlarged. In the square stands the statue of General Kleber, native of Strasbourg (he was born just a few metres from the square) as well as a whole squadron of flags on parade. The square is always the centre of festivities and public entertainment. In the Middle Ages most of the site was occupied by a large church attached to a monastery dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. In those days the square was known as Place des Déchausseés. In the 18th century the name changed to Place d’Armes when military marches and military parades took the place of religious processions. The Aubette, built by Jean-Francois Blondel, was so named because it was designed to house the Corps de Garde, who used to receive their orders at dawn (aube). After the siege of 1870, the building was converted into an academy of music and therefore restored and decorated with medallions commemorating musicians such as Mozart and Handel, still visible today. Next, the building was turned into a restaurant.