Strasbourg is mostly famous for politics, being both the seat of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament, but the city's history and culture are at least as noteworthy. Having changed hands between Germany and France several times, Strasbourg still has a distinctly Germanic flavour, and the island-like Old Town has preserved its medieval core to a remarkable degree. Especially the Cathedral, or Münster, is very impressive. The entire Old Town is full of typical half-timbered buildings and is very pleasant to stroll through, especially since you always end up at the river. The Neustadt, or New Town, is located to the north of the Old Town and is characterized by wide avenues, parks, mansions, 19th-century buildings such as the University, and many diplomatic missions, as it is located between the Old Town and the international quarter, with the seats of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.