The belltower is 142 m high. 9. The Director of public works of Strasbourg, Grold, quickly took down and protected the statues of the portal, but 215 statues of the voussures over the portals were smashed with hammers, as were the angels atop the gables on the facade, and the crowns and sceptres of the statues of the kings. It is the tallest building in the city and has been a World Heritage Site since 1988. The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. It replaces the original window which was one of the few windows not put into safe storage before World War II; it was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944. Archaeological excavations below and around the cathedral have been conducted in 18961897,[11] 1907,[12] 19231924,[13] 19471948,[14] between 1966 and 1972,[15] and finally between 2012 and 2014. At the same time, the planned two spires on either side of the facade would reach an extraordinary height of 122 meters. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. On the last level are the Apostles, passing in front of Christ. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. Strasbourg Cathedral Building, France - e-architect Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral France: Gothic Masterpiece Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. The belltower is 142 m high. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. This artifact was later kept in the historical collections of the city until they were all destroyed during the Siege of Strasbourg in a massive fire in August 1870. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. In 1682, the choir screen (built in 1252) was broken out to expand the choir towards the nave. It is really beautiful and imposing! Described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel",[7] and by Goethe as a "sublimely towering, wide-spreading tree of God",[2] the cathedral is visible far across the plains of Alsace and can be seen from as far off as the Vosges Mountains or the Black Forest on the other side of the Rhine. Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! The arched tympanum over the doors of the central portal is crowded with sculpture, as are the voussures, the stone arches around the door. At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. [75], The windows of the triforium, between the upper and lower window, contain 19th-century reconstitutions of early windows depicting the ancestors of Christ, but little of the original glass remains. The two rose windows above are later, from the 14th century, with vegetal designs. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. The Gothic style also appeared in the statuary, particularly the Pillar of the Angels, and in the tympanums over the double portals on the south transept, which showed the influence of the sculpture in French Gothic cathedrals. Some of the windows were assembled with glass from different periods: in the windows devoted to the Emperors Frederick II and Henry II of Bamberg, the heads were made between 1250 and 1275, but in 1522 were remounted onto the bodies of other kings from earlier windows made in about 1180. The north tower was the world's tallest building from 1647 (when the taller spire of St. Mary's Church, Stralsund burnt down) until 1874 (when the tower of St. Nikolai's Church in Hamburg was completed). Strasbourg France Facts 1: the population. The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. The Chapel of John the Baptist preserves its thick Romanesque walls and two Romanesque windows. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. Even though the cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany, it still holds the record of being the tallest church in the world that was completely constructed during the Middle Ages. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . Free shipping for many products! Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. After trying several temporary measures, in 1915, during the First World War, he launched a large-scale project to replace the entire foundation of the cathedral with concrete. Adolf Hitler, who visited it on 28 June 1940, intended to transform the church into a "national sanctuary of the German people",[43] or into a monument to the Unknown German Soldier. Are Strasbourg Cathedral And Notre Dame The Same Building? This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. Select from premium Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral of the highest quality. The architects of the rebuilding began to include Gothic elements, following the style that had appeared in northern France in the 12th century, while still preserving the existing Romanesque features. Protestant and Revolutionary iconoclasm, the war periods of 1681, 1870 and 19401944, as well as changes in taste and liturgy, have taken a toll on some of Strasbourg Cathedral's most outstanding features such as the choir screen of 1252 and the successive high altars (ca. All the parts of the clock together are 18m (59ft) high. Christmas in Strasbourg, France (2022): Everything You Need to Know One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. But it hasn't always been. Type of place: Religious site. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. Drawing A, circa 1260. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. Strasbourg Cathedral Pictures, Images and Stock Photos Schedule: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 to 5:45 p.m. Sundays and feast days: 2 to 5:15 p.m. May be closed to visiting during services. Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide One of the most incredible facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that its spire was saved because the citizens of Strasbourg dressed the spire of the church with a huge tin Phrygian cap, the exact type of cap worn by the Enrags at the time. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. [10], The history of Strasbourg's cathedral is well documented thanks to the archives of the Notre-Dame Foundation, the city of Strasbourg, and of the diocese. This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. 15 Iconic Facts About Strasbourg Cathedral | Ultimate List A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. The grand organ, located high on the wall of the north side of the nave, is recorded as existing in 1260. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. A statue on the west side of the pillar represents a famed preacher contemporary with the cathedral; Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg (d. 1510); a small sculpture along the railing of the stairs depicts Geiler's dog, mourning his master on steps of the pulpit where he once preached. The South Transept contains the Pillar of Angels, a massive supporting pillar for the ceiling. It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. The reason is simply that the intention was to eventually build the south tower, but this never happened, resulting in the buildings distinctive form today. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. [48] The bishopric of Strasbourg had been elevated to the rank of archbishopric a few months before, in June 1988. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The tower was saved, however, when in May of the same year citizens of Strasbourg crowned it with a giant tin Phrygian cap of the kind the Enrags themselves wore. It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. The church was repaired after each fire, and reconstructions and modifications made, but it retained its essentially Romanesque form, with thick walls, small windows and massive columns. With its spire soaring 142m above the city, Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest building in the West until the nineteenth century. Between 1200 and 1228, the Romanesque vaults of the north transept were replaced by the pointed Gothic rib vault, which were stronger and shifted the thrust of the weight outwards, reducing the need for massive pillars in the interior. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace, France - European Traveler The platform - Strasbourg - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion The reddish-brown sandstone from the Vosges mountains gives the cathedral its distinctive colour.[8]. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. Cathedral of Notre-Dame | cathedral, Strasbourg, France The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. A pointed arch frames the window, and a row of blind arches at the lower level completes the decoration. 1. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg The reverse of the central doors of the portal has a column statue of Saint Peter holding the keys of the kingdom and above it a blind rose, without glass, a miniature version of the large rose window above it. The Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace) in Strasbourg is the former residence of the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan, an ancient French Noble family originally from Brittany.. The Cathedral, Strasbourg | Ticket Price | Timings - TripHobo Strasbourg - Wikipedia The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. [18]. Bayeux Tapestry. On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there's no doubt that you'll fall in love with this city! The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. At Strasbourg it is 61.5 metres (202ft) long and 16 metres (52ft) wide, not counting the two collateral aisles, which are each 10.41 metres (34.2ft) wide. A trick saved the cathedrals spire during the French Revolution, 13. These are the best places for couples seeking sights & landmarks in Strasbourg: Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg; La Petite France; glise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune; Barrage Vauban; Centre-ville de Strasbourg; See more sights & landmarks for couples in Strasbourg on Tripadvisor It's the most. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Strasbourg is the seat Council of Europe, of the European Court of Human Rights and of the European Parliament. Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - SpottingHistory.com Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! In 1918 Alsace and Strasbourg and Alscace were once again attached to France. In addition to the grand organ in nave, the cathedral has two smaller organs: The baptismal font by Jost Dotzinger (1453), Judgement of Solomon window in north transept (late 12th c.), Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist (3rd quarter of 12th century), left window of north transept, The transept and the apse were built atop the Romanesque crypt, making them a little higher than the nave; they are reached by a short stairway, giving the impression that the choir and apse are the stage of a theater. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The crossing of the transept and the choir is topped by the central cupola or dome, which is supported by four gigantic pillars, each wrapped in eight columns, which reach up to support the vaults under the cupola. The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. Full description. The pulpit itself, in the form of a very ornate corbeille or basket, is entirely covered with colonettes, gables, pinnacles, and niches filled with sculpture, including images of Christ on the cross, a crowned Virgin Mary, Apostles, the Crucifixion, and well as Kings and doctors of the Church. The level above displays a group of mechanical chariots, with allegorical figures representing the days of the week, which move daily to bring to the front the current day of the week. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. Parcours "The Cathedral of Strasbourg" Streetcar line: Ligne A, D-Arrt : Langstross Grand'Rue. The tracery and decoration of the interior are very much like of that exterior, with blind galleries and delicate parallel vertical lines, like the strings of a harp. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. Cathedral facts for kids. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg or Strasbourg Cathedral is the 6th tallest church in the world, built entirely in the medieval period. Construction of the new cathedral began on the foundations of the preceding structures. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. Top 10 Little Known Facts about Palais Rohan. The Strasbourg Cathedral is impossible to miss as it towers above the surrounding buildings and is located in the center of the city. .The lower part of the massive base of the clock has statues of Apollo and the Goddess Diana presenting a circular calendar of the liturgical year, whose revolving face with a globe points to the dates of major religious festivals and events. [37] [53], The portal of Saint-Laurent, on the north transept, The three Kings with the Virgin Mary and child, Original statues in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, The portal of Saint Lawrence, was added to the north transept between 1495 and 1505 by Jacob von (or Jacques de) Landshut, with sculptures by Hans von Aachen (aka Johan von Ach, or Jean d'Aix-la-Chapelle) and Conrad Sifer. [57] Following their destruction during the French Revolution, several of the sculptures have been replaced in the 19th century by works by Philippe Grass,[58] Jean-tienne Malade,[59] and Jean Vallastre. The Top Must-Visit Attractions in Strasbourg - Culture Trip Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. 10 Best Facts about Strasbourg Cathedral - Discover Walks Blog This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. It's easy to get to by train from other regions in France (I took a direct train from Paris) or by car if you are driving. [26][27][28], The octagonal north tower was the combined work of architects Ulrich Ensingen (shaft) and Johannes Hltz of Cologne (top). It was built on the site of a chapel from the Merovingian dynasty - the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the fifth to the eighth centuries. It was decorated with paintings by the Swiss painter Tobias Stimmer. [84], The stained glass window in the axis of the apse depicts the Virgin of Alscace. [53], Unlike the sculpture of earlier cathedrals, the Strasbourg statues clearly show emotions; the prophets look severe, the Virgins appear serene, the Virtues look noble, and the frivolous Virgins appear foolish. This unique architectural style of the cathedral makes it all the more beautiful. 11 Things to do in Strasbourg France: History, Culture, and Food [8], The nave is dominated by the two rows of massive pillars. [46] and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany. [67], The spire above the tower is composed of eight stages of elaborate octagonal structure, linked together by interlaced arches and pinnacles, which contain a stairway to the lantern at the top. The original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. The tympanum was destroyed in the French Revolution and replaced by a work by the sculptor Jean Vallastre[fr] (17651833). Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. The Strasbourg Cathedral was built over a period of 424 years The original construction of the church in its current location started in the year 1015. After the spire of the St. Marys church in Stralsund burned down, it became the tallest building in the world, a record it would hold a total of 227 years between 1647 and 1874! The nave and choir were composed of three vessels, each with two traverses. In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. In October 1988, when the city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary (as the first official mention of Argentoratum dates from 12 BC), pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass in the cathedral.