Unusual Strasbourg: the face of the Emperor

The Palais du Rhin, which was completed in 1889, was the first building to be constructed on place de la République, at the heart of Strasbourg’s German imperial borough – the Neustadt quarter.

The architectural style of Palais du Rhin is Germanic Neo-Renaissance and includes a large number of German imperial symbols, such as eagles, military helmets, and heraldry from different cities in Germany.

The palace was commissioned by Emperor Wilhelm I and inaugurated by his grandson, Emperor Wilhelm II. Due to his large mustache and prominent nose, Wilhelm II was a favorite subject of caricaturists at the time of his reign. 

The Prussian blue wrought-iron gate on either side of the palace has a hidden detail many locals don’t even know about. You could pass by the gate dozens of times without spotting it. 

Among the arabesques and wrought-iron motifs, you may recognize the emperor’s distinctive profile. Probably a cheeky nod from the metalworkers to their sovereign. 

On your next visit to the Neustadt quarter (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site), see if you can find the face of Emperor Wilhelm the II on the gate next to the Palais du Rhin.

Check out more of Strasbourg’s hidden gems on our Unusual Strasbourg page