German Strassburg
City (pop., 1999: 264,115), eastern France.
Located on the Franco-German border, Strasbourg was originally a Celtic village; it became a garrison under the Romans. The Holy Roman Empire in 1262. It was seized by the French in 1681 and captured by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71). It reverted to France after World War I but was occupied by Germany again during World War II, when it suffered considerable damage. A major river port and industrial centre, it is the seat of the Council of Europe and an international communications centre. Notable buildings include the restored medieval cathedral with its 14th-century astronomical clock. The parliament of what is now the {{link=European Union">European Union has met there since 1979.