Place Kléber and Place de l’Homme de fer

Much more than the heart of the city, the Place Kléber Strasbourg is also the rallying point for Strasbourgeois for special occasions and parties. It is a popular place for the Strasbourg population, appreciated for its dynamism and its numerous shops. You can also come here for shopping --you will really find everything!
In the Middle Ages, on this square there was a monastery of Franciscan monks and very naturally, the people gave it the name of "barefoot plaza". Much later, it changed its name to the Place d'Armes . In the 18th century, at the north end of the square, a large and distinguished classical building in pink sandstone was built, in an elongated shape: the Aubette. Its name comes from the time when the military garrisons came to seek their orders at dawn - "Aube" meaning dawn in French.
The square acquired its present name in 1840 in honor of General Kleber, a brilliant military strategist assassinated in Cairo by a Syrian student. Having won several important battles, his popularity in France was great and it was decided that his body would rest in his hometown of Strasbourg. Get a close look at the statue-- Jean- Baptiste Kléber's body is actually resting in a vault beneath it.
The square has undergone much rebuilding in recent decades, especially since the arrival of the new tramway.
Each Christmas, a giant Vosges fir Christmas tree is beautifully decorated and illuminated . Imagine this place during the Christmas season, everything is magical!
Next to the Place Kléber, is the Place de l'Homme de Fer. To get there, take the passage located between the Aubette, the long rose colored sandstone building, and the huge glass building the "Maison Rouge Fnac" store, behind the statue and straight ahead to the right. Go ahead, then take a little break, and come back to the commentary when you are ready.
Now you are on the "Place de l' Homme de Fer" -Square of the Iron Man. Walk on the right, up to the pharmacy of the same name. This square has become the nerve center of Strasbourg since the arrival of the modern tramway, ensuring transfers to and from 4 major tram lines. It is here that, coming from the railway station or from the many Park and Ride lots, passengers and tourists can stop to stroll in the old city of Strasbourg.
Formerly no particular interest, the Place de l' Homme de Fer is now recognizable thanks to its elegant 700m2 glass rotunda housing the tram station .
Look at the front of the pharmacie de l’Homme de fer. We'll show you a small Strasbourg curiosity: the image of the Iron Man, which dates from the 17th century, is still visible. A blacksmith affixed this soldier in armor at a height of four meters high on the building facade in the 19th century- but this one is a copy of the 19th century original, which is being displayed at the Historical Museum.
Now, take the "Rue de la Haute Montée", after the pharmacy on the right, the same street where you see the "Printemps" department store. Walk a few meters, and take the first left which is called the "Petite Rue de l'Eglise". At the end of the street on your right, you will reach the "Place Saint-Pierre le Jeune". See you there