The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg is a remarkable wine cellar founded in 1395 within the city’s historic hospital complex. Created to support patients through the production and sale of wine, it has endured for centuries as both a medical and cultural institution. The cellar houses vast oak barrels and stone vaults where Alsatian wines mature, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Its most famous treasure is the world’s oldest barrel of wine still preserved, dating back to 1472. Today, the Cave continues its charitable mission, with profits from wine sales benefiting the hospital. Visitors can explore its atmospheric halls, learn about winemaking traditions, and taste wines that embody Alsace’s rich terroir. The Cave Historique is more than a cellar—it is a living monument to Strasbourg’s heritage, blending history, philanthropy, and viticulture in one extraordinary site.
Strasbourg France
The Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, dating to 1395, is located at 1 Place de l'Hôpital within the grounds of the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg civil hospital, in the city center near the Ill River. Access the underground 1,200 m² cellar via external stairs on the yellow building in the hospital complex, a 10-minute walk from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame or tram lines A/D at Porte de l'Hôpital stop. Nearby attractions include Petite France quarter with canals (short stroll), Musée Historique de la Ville, Alsatian Museum along Quai Saint-Nicolas, Place Kléber, and riverside promenades, all in the UNESCO-listed Grande Île district.
Museum
Musée Historique de la Ville de Strasbourg
Museum
Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain
Museum
Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame
Museum
Musée Tomi Ungerer
Museum
Musée Zoologique de Strasbourg
Museum
Château Musée Vodou
Museum
L'Aubette 1928
Museum
Lieu d'Europe
Museum
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Museum
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Museum
Musée Archéologique
Museum
Le Vaisseau
Museum
MM Park France
Museum
Théâtre National de Strasbourg
Theatre
Opéra National du Rhin
Theatre
Le Maillon, Théâtre de Strasbourg
Theatre
Théâtre Jeune Public
Theatre
Théâtre de la Choucrouterie
Theatre
Le Kafteur
Theatre
TAPS Laiterie
Theatre
Théâtre Alsacien Strasbourg
Gallery
Galerie Chantal Bamberger
Gallery
Galerie Sandra Blum
Gallery
Galerie L’Estampe
Gallery
Galerie East
Gallery
Galerie La Pierre Large
Gallery
Galerie Philippe Decorde
Gallery
Radial Art Contemporain
Gallery
Palais Rohan Strasbourg
Historical Landmark
Palais du Rhin
Historical Landmark
Parc de la Citadelle
Park
Fort de Mutzig
Fortress
Barrage Vauban
Historical Landmark
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
Cathedral
Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg
Bridge
La Petite France
Historical Landmark
Place Kléber
Square
Grande Île
Island
Place Gutenberg
Square
Parc de l’Orangerie
Park
European Parliament
Government office
Jardin de la Place de la République
Park
Église Saint-Thomas
Church
Parc des Contades
Park
Église catholique Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune
Church
Neubau
Historical Landmark
Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg
Observatory
Planétarium du Jardin des sciences
Planetarium
Jardin Botanique de l’Université de Strasbourg
Botanical Garden
Parc du Heyritz
Park
Parc de Pourtalès
Park
Jardin des Deux‑Rives
Park