[45] During that same war, the stained glass was removed in 74 cases. [84], The main altar, in the form of a tomb, is a recreation of an earlier altar in the rocaille or late baroque style, which had been damaged in a fire in 1759 and then ruined during the French Revolution. 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. Firstly the cathedral, the second most visited French cathedral after Notre Dame de Paris; secondly the picture-book historic quarter of Petite France, with its half-timbered medieval houses and its quays overlooking branches of the river Ill (that is the river " ill "); and thirdly . [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. By the use of buttresses and a double wall, the outer wall decorative with wide spaces, and the inner wall bearing the weight and having large windows, the interior of the cathedral could have more light. The construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. Above this is a globe, with painted figures of the Church and the Antichrist confronting each other. Strasbourg Cathedral, France - arc Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg (French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg or Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Strasbourg is a city in eastern France, the prefecture of Grand Est. The supporting buttresses on either side also have very expressive sculpture representing the Virgin Mary and the three Magi on one side, and a group of Saints on the other, both sheltered beneath lacelike flamboyant sculpture and pinnacles. The crossing is filled with statues and busts of saints set into niches as well as bas-reliefs of the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi. This was then carried out in the south transept. This project was completed in 1926, after the end of the war. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide to this UNESCO Site - ViaTravelers The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. 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. Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. Strasbourg Cathedral is over 1,000 years old Officially named "Notre-Dame de Strasbourg" ("Our Lady of Strasbourg"), the Cathedral was built in a Gothic style, and is still to this day a "light and delicate marvel", as Victor Hugo called it. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. Walk through history on a guided walking tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral. The cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. It is really beautiful and imposing! While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. Choir pipe organ, north side of the choir, Height of observation deck: 66m (217ft), Exterior height of central nave: 40m (130ft), Inside height of central nave: 32m (105ft), Inside width of central nave: 16m (52ft), Inside height of lateral naves: 19m (62ft), Exterior width of west faade: 51.5m (169ft), Diameter of west faade rose window: 13.6m (45ft). Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. The cathedral - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion [72] Rays of yellow glass radiate outwards like a sun, surrounded mosaic-like pieces of green and blue and by small oculi with red floral designs. The chapel is devoted to memorials to six canons who were entombed there between 1478 and 1681. [72], The creation of Adam and Eve (Narthex) (12801345), The lower bay on the south has stained glass windows that depict the Last Judgement, while the north bay windows illustrate twelve episodes from the Book of Genesis, including the creation of Adam and Eve, the original sin, the expulsion from Paradise, and Noah's ark. Strasbourg Cathedral is over one thousand years old. One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! Add to Favorites . However, the official ownership of the structure was given, and belongs today, to the French state, and it is administered by the Mayor of Strasbourg. The known dimensions of the building are as follows:[87]. The choir and the north transept of the cathedral were completed in a Romanesque style starting in 1176, and it wasnt until the year 1225 that the switch was made to the Gothic style. Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered At 142 metres , Strasbourg Cathedral was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874 , when it was surpassed by St. Nikolai's Church, Hamburg. The rose window, with a rayonnant Gothic design, is fourteen metres in diameter and was finished in 1345. All the parts of the clock together are 18m (59ft) high. [50], The restoration of the tower was completed in 2006, and in 2014 a new campaign of restoration was begun on the south transept. Interior of the Strasbourg cathedral De kathedraal van Straatsburg (Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, Strassburger Mnster) behoort tot de grootste en beroemdste kathedralen van Frankrijk. It was electrified after 1807, and was restored and modified several times, most recently in 193435 and in 197581, giving it the current forty-seven jeux.[76]. [71], Two chapels, devoted to Saint Andrew and Saint John the Baptist, were attached to the two sides of the apse. Other objects and works from the cathedral, including the mechanism of the original astronomical clock, are found in the Muse des arts dcoratifs de Strasbourg. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. Strasbourg cathedral, a must-see visit in Alsace Together with the Cologne Cathedral, the faade of the Strasbourg Cathedral is considered to be one of the first buildings in history which made architectural drawings necessary to make it conceivable. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. These include some of the original statues from the portals and faade dating from the 13th century, including the statues of "The Church" and "The Synagogue" from the portal of the south transept. The second wave of construction started in the 12th century, when the Gothic style of architecture had started to develop. Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? And the Best Museums to Visit Overview Download history Purchase history Invoices Boards SIGN OUT. The sculpture over the central tympanum and over the south portal of the transept was saved because it was covered with wooden planks with the revolutionary motto "Libert-Egalit-Fraternit,"[36], In April 1794, the Enrags started planning to tear the spire down, on the grounds that it hurt the principle of equality. Other articles where Cathedral of Notre-Dame is discussed: Strasbourg: The contemporary city: Strasbourg's 11th-15th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame, damaged in 1870 and again in World War II, has been carefully restored. From the platform of Strasbourg Cathedral, 66 meters above the ground, discover a striking panorama of the city in 1490 to the west, and in 1730 to the east. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. It is still in place.[86]. 5,626 Strasbourg Cathedral Stock Photos - Dreamstime After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. de la Cathdrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France Phone +33 3 88 21 43 34 Web Visit website A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral rivals its more famous counterpart in Paris. The South Transept contains the Pillar of Angels, a massive supporting pillar for the ceiling. 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. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. Ensingen worked on the cathedral from 1399 to 1419, taking over from Claus von Lohre, and Hltz from 1419 to 1439, completing the building at last. Strasbourg Cathedral - Etsy Strasbourg, Grande-le and - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. An even older bell, by Jean Jacques-Miller (1595), repeats the sounding of the hours one minute later. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. Recht, Roland; Foessel, Georges; Klein, Jean-Pierre: Learn how and when to remove this template message, Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market, List of tallest structures built before the 20th century, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Wissembourg, "Architecture et sculpture gothiques: cathdrale de Strasbourg (1)", "Prodige du gigantesque et du dlicat (translation)", "Chronologie des fouilles archologiques", "17. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. Today, about 275,000 people live there (with around 780,000 in the metropolitan area ). The columns are lavishly decorated with sculpted foliage. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. Since it was built, the platform has been a popular tourist attraction, and, until recently, a strategic fire lookout. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. 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. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg | Visit Alsace The current cathedral wasnt the first building on the site, 4. It's the most. [86], Life of the Virgin Mary tapestry - "The Nativity" (163857), The cathedral has a particularly fine group of fourteen tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin Mary. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. Above this is a colourful clock with the signs of the zodiac. It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. The Cathedral, Strasbourg | Ticket Price | Timings - TripHobo [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. Behind him is the portal of Saint Laurent. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11. 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.. [17], The first cathedral built on the present site was erected by the bishop Saint Arbogast in about 550575. The elevation has the traditional High Gothic or Rayonnant Gothic three levels; large arcades below, with windows on the collateral aisles; a narrow triforium, or gallery, also with windows, for passing along the walls; and above that, of equal height with the arcades the upper windows which reach up into the vaults. [71], The narthex of the cathedral and massive pillars supporting the tower, seen from the central nave, Inside of west front doors, with blind rose window and column-statue of St. Peter. Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece - TripAnthropologist A cathedral is a large Christian church. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. There are two altars fixed to west pillars of the crossing, both from the 16th century; one devoted to Saint Pancras of Rome and the other to Saint Maurice. It was hoisted up to its present position in 1327. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. [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. 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. Download Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. The planned south tower was never built and as a result, with its characteristic asymmetrical form, the cathedral is now the premier landmark of Alsace. However, between 1250 and 1255 they decided to become more ambitious, and used what was called the "Parisian style"; this created three levels with a total height of 32 meters from the floor to the vaults. [83], In 1547 a new clock was begun by Christian Herlin and others, but the construction was interrupted when the cathedral was handed over to the Roman Catholic Church. During the French Revolution nine bells were taken out and melted down to make cannon, but the "Totonglock" and a second bell, the "Zehrnerglock" (1.58 meters, 2.225 tons), made in Mathieu Edel in 1786, were preserved to ring the hours and serve as alarm bells for the city. One of the most remarkable facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that even though its considered to be the epitome of a church in the Gothic architectural style, the first phase consisted of Romanesque buildings. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. He reconstructed the dome over the transept in a grander, Romanesque Revival style. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. It was rebuilt 1298, in 13241327, in 1384, 1430, and 1489 and finally in 1716 by Andr Silbermann. Its place as the bourdon, or largest and deepest-sounding bell, was taken by an older bell, the "Totenglock", or "Death bell", which was traditionally used for mourning. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. [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. The chair of Bishop Broughton, first Anglican Bishop of Sydney, Australia. It also contains the tomb of Conrad de Bussnang, a prominent member of the chapter, whose image is portrayed in sculpture praying before the Virgin and child. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. The first version of the church was starting to be built during 1015 by proposal of Bishop Werner von Habsburg, but fire destroyed most of the original Romanesque building. A little history about Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Strasbourg's cathedral is an emblematic monument of the city, built on a site that was occupied by an important Roman camp when the city was called Argentoratum, and which has hosted many places of worship over the centuries. One of the most amazing facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that an addition was made in the early 16th century in the post-Gothic, early-Renaissance style, as well. VR Strasbourg Cathdrale - Apps on Google Play Strasbourg Cathedral Gifts & Merchandise for Sale | Redbubble The cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. The chevet, or east end, probably also had a tower, and was flanked by two chapels. [44] On 1 March 1941, General Leclerc made the "Oath of Kufra" (serment de Koufra), stating he would "rest the weapons only when our beautiful colours fly again on Strasbourg's cathedral". This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. Strasbourg.info - Strasbourg Cathedral What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . In addition to being one of the finest examples of high Gothic architecture remaining today, Strasbourg Cathedral has a fascinating history spanning hundreds of years. 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. [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. Both the interior and exterior of the Strasbourg Cathedral are extraordinary, once called by Victor Hugo "a prodigy of the gigantic and the delicate." Built on the foundations of a Roman. 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. Strasbourg (UK: / s t r z b r /, US: / s t r s b r , s t r z-,-b r /, French: (); German: Straburg [tasbk] (); Bas Rhin Alsatian: Strossburi [dsbui] (), Haut Rhin Alsatian: Strossburig [dsbui] ()) is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France and the official seat of the . [56], Lintel decoration Mary ascends to Heaven, Ecclesia and Synagoga among other statues from the cathedral in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, The south portal, or Portal of the Virgin, dates to about the 1220s, the same time as the Pillar of the Angels and the Astronomic clock in the interior. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. 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. The pointed gable over the central portal, decorated with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and child, reaches up into the space in front of the rose window. [25] The three men completed the bell tower over the central part of the faade, in a design that moved away from Gerlach von Steinbach's initial idea of a central tower and whose precise authorship is unknown. de la Cathdrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France Phone +33 3 88 21 43 34 Web Visit website One of France's most stunning examples of late Gothic architecture, Strasbourg Cathedral towers over the Northern city's skyline with dramatic, imposing details. [46] and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany. [20] Erwin von Steinbach's son Johannes von Steinbach served as magister operis, or Werkmeister (chief architect) from (at least) 1332 until his death in 1341. [79]. The first cathedral was built on top of this temple and was completed in the 7th century, but nothing of these structures remains today. Strasbourg Cathedral (official French: Notre-Dame de Strasbourg ,German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg, Our Lady of Strasbourg) is the Cathedral in Strasbourg. Design and Destruction at Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace, France A trick saved the cathedrals spire during the French Revolution, 13. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace, France - European Traveler 15 Fabulous Facts About Luxembourg Palace, A-Z Index - Art Timeline - Architecture Timeline - Contact - Terms - Privacy Policy - About Art Facts, 1. The pilasters between the stairways are older, from 1015. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. Drawing A, circa 1260. The octagonal vault is covered with arches and lacelike interlaced sculpture in the late Gothic Flamboyant style. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. [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. On the bottom, figures of the Four Seasons surround a mechanical astrolabe, which indicates the location of the planets according to Copernicus, and is surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. A round, Baroque sacristy of modest proportions was added north-east of the northern transept in 1744 by the city's chief architect Joseph Massol according to plans by Robert de Cotte and between 1772 and 1778 architect Jean-Laurent Goetz surrounded the cathedral by a gallery in early Gothic Revival style in order to reorganise the merchants' shops that used to settle around the building (and would do so until 1843). 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 outgoing 15th century was marked by the sermons of Johann Geiler von Kaisersberg and by the emerging Protestant Reformation, represented in Strasbourg by figures such as John Calvin, Martin Bucer and Jacob Sturm von Sturmeck. The same was about to happen to the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral as the agitators who ruled the city during the revolution, referred to as the Enrags, planned to demolish it in April of 1794.