European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 21, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Celebrating 2,000 years /46ove, a Birds Eye View of the cobblestones and Check ered tablecloths of a sidewalk cafe and Strasbourg s Majestic Cathedral. Below canal boats Are a great Way to take in the old City s sights. Story and photos by Joseph Owen staff writer Argent Ratum was what the romans called it a City founded on Money. The Aleman dubbed it strata Burg or fortress on the  by any name the French City of Strasbourg remains today a Crossroads of Money politics culture and history and what better time to visit it than during its yearlong 2,000th birthday Celebration even without the birthday party of course Strasbourg offers plenty to see and do. The magnificent Cathedral with its stunning West front elaborate astronomical clock Art treasures and 468 /2-foot-High Tower and spire you can climb right to the top is undoubtedly the City s most famous and most important building. The old City Center s Timber Frame houses and narrow streets Are favourites of photographers and its museums Are noteworthy. For instance the Musee Alsa Cien Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace occupies an aristocratic 16th-Century Manor with a galleried courtyard it displays costumes toys furniture and utensils from the Region s past. Other top notch collections Are at the museum of Fine Art and the Ceramic museum. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy the City especially its impressive fortified 14th-Century Bridges is by taking a boat ride through its canals. Strasbourg is More hospitable to motor vehicles than other european canal laced cities such As Amsterdam or Venice but the smart visitor will Park and walk just the same. A Short walk through the inner City covers the Cathedral and the sightseeing boats on the canals As Well As a Good selection of shops museums and restaurants. Through the millennia Strasbourg often has exerted More influence on world affairs than its size the current population is about 400,000 might suggest. It was an important roman trading Center in its Early Days the site of a famous fair throughout the 15th Century a major Force in German politics in the Early 16th Century and coveted territory in three wars Between Germany and France since 1870. Today the City is a major banking and tourism Center an important Rhine River port and the Home of the Council of Europe the european parliament and the european court of human rights. A millennial celebrations and other events through the remainder of the year include through sept. 30, an exhibition entitled Strasbourg and Europe 2000 years of history at the Salle de i a Bette at place Kleber. Several other Long term exhibits focus on the City s Rich history. Every sunday morning until aug. 28, free performances by alsatian folkloric dancers in the Rohan Castle courtyard. Aug. 6 to sept. 3, illuminated fountains at the covered Bridges. Sept. 1-12, european fair. Sept. 3, venetian night on the canals. Rowing club members and fishermen in period costumes guide Flower decked boats through the canals amid fireworks Folk music and dancing performances. Sept. 17-18, Rhine festival. A Celebration on a temporary Bridge of barges across the Rhine also will include fireworks. Oct. 8-10, the visit of Pope John Paul ii. Information about these events and others including theater and opera is available from the Strasbourg tourist office Tel. 0033-88-35-03-00. Stripes Magazine july 21, 1988