Lydia Esh and Wyatt Fisher share their reflections from Day 3 of the Youth Venture Anabaptism at 500: Looking Back to See the Future trip. The historical trip begins in Zürich, Switzerland and culminates at the Anabaptism at 500 Global Youth Summit in Württemberg, Germany.
Lydia Esh
Today, we visited Strasbourg, France, and I was utterly captivated by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. Its towering presence, adorned with intricate stonework, vibrant stained-glass windows, and grand murals, dominated the cityscape. We also enjoyed a breathtaking boat tour through the canals, which showcased the city’s serene beauty. I fell in love with Strasbourg and hope to return someday.
Visiting Strasbourg was significant because it was a rare haven for Anabaptists during a time when they faced oppression and exile across many European cities. When reflecting, I was struck by how often these peaceful places are left out of our history lessons. There are no statues or plaques commemorating diverse communities living good lives free from harm. No museums about cities that were open minded and allowed people to live differently. And though history books don’t remember, the people affected do. I want to thank Strasbourg for taking care of my spiritual ancestors. Thank you for taking them in when no one would, and for letting them continue to live and build their faith in peace. May we build cities and communities that future generations can thank for taking in their ancestors who were outsiders, oppressed, and persecuted.
Wyatt Fisher
Today’s adventure included Strasbourg, France, with a brief stop in Basel, Switzerland, to transfer trains. Highlights included seeing the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, taking a boat tour around the city, and ending with a much-enjoyed supper of tarte flambée or flammekueche (flame cake) — a traditional Alsatian “pizza.”
Upon arriving in Strasbourg, we discussed how there aren’t many specific, well-known Anabaptist-related events or people that are tied to the city. This is mostly due to the tolerant stance that the town leaders took towards the flow of new ideas into and out of Strasbourg. Fewer restrictions meant that Anabaptists could practice their faith more openly and fewer people were martyred compared to places like Zürich and Bern. To mirror this, we spent much of the day freely exploring the city as some of our Anabaptist ancestors may have done.
This day had special significance for me and others in our group. My family has traced some of its roots to Basel and the wider Alsace-Lorraine region, though not directly to Strasbourg that I know of. As we explored the narrow streets and unique mix of architectural styles, I wondered if any of my ancestors had stepped on these same cobblestones. And as we ate our supper, I wondered if any of my Alsatian lineage ever gathered to eat flammekueche together.
