[60], As with all the other portals, several of the statues have been replaced by copies in situ and are today displayed in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. While Strasbourg, today, is a symbol of unity in Europe, for centuries, it was at the center of conflict. Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. The Bishop appealed to the new Emperor, who granted one eighth of his revenues in the province toward the construction of a new Cathedral. 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. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. He reconstructed the dome over the transept in a grander, Romanesque Revival style. Bishop Heinrich I von Hasenburg (1181 March 25, 1190) decided to construct a new cathedral, to be more beautiful than that of Basel Munster, which was just being finished. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. The 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France - TripSavvy In the south transept, the lancet and oculus windows in the two large bays on the east, built in 12201227, are modelled after those in the lower choir of Chartres Cathedral. 10 Interesting Strasbourg France Facts | My Interesting Facts Goethe and the Strasbourg Cathedral - My French Quest 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. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. 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. 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. Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. The currently visible, much higher crossing dome was designed in grand Romanesque Revival style by the architect Gustave Klotz, after the original dome had been heavily damaged by Prussian shelling during the Siege of Strasbourg. Strasbourg cathedral, a must-see visit in Alsace 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. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. 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. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. Strasbourg Cathedral While Goethe's poems on nature, romance, science and his great novel Faust have long been available to the English-speaking audience, his writings on art and literature, as in Essays, are less familiar. The portal of the infancy of Christ (left) depicts angels, bishops and saints in the voussures, and figures representing the virtues, carrying spears, prod the figures representing the vices. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. As with the other portals of the cathedral, most of the statues now to be seen in situ are copies, the originals having been moved to the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame.[32]. [18]. [83], The apse, with the Virgin of Alsace window (1956), Crowning of Mary, by Eduard Steinle in the vault of the apse, The apse of the cathedral, the hemispherical vault behind the altar on the northeast end, features Romanesque and Gothic architecture overlaid with 19th-century Neo-Romanesque decoration, The paintings on the half-dome and walls were made by douard Steinl in 187779, in the style of a Byzantine mosaic. More recently, a group of six modern bells was cast in Heidelberg between 1974 and 1976; they range from 1.7 meters to 0.9 meters in diameter, and from 3.9 to 5.7 tons in weight. 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. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Each pillar bundles sixteen smaller columns, of which five reach upward to support the vaults overhead. 5 out of 5 stars (7,356) $ 17.50. This massive faade was decorated with thousands of figures giving it a unique and magnificent impression! "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Strasbourg - Wikipedia 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. Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece - TripAnthropologist The Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, or Museum of the Work of Notre-Dame, is located in a medieval and Renaissance building not far from the cathedral, and displays a collection of some of the most delicate original works of sculpture and art from Cathedral, moved there to protect them from environmental damage. 1. The portals are set forward from the front of the church by the network of slender columns, spires and arches which form an outer decorative wall. Strasbourg, Grande-le and - UNESCO World Heritage Centre A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. The current cathedral was completed in 1439 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988. Drawing A, circa 1260. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. A retrouver dans la galerie. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. [9] The Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, a municipal museum located in the Foundation's buildings, displays original works of art from the cathedral, such as sculptures and stained-glass, but also the surviving original medieval buildings plans. The first overhead vault before the cupola features a 19th-century painting of the Last Judgement by Charles Auguste Steinheil, a collaborator of Eugne Viollet-le-Duc and other notable cathedral-restorers. [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. The west front was also exceptional because it was flanked by two towers, the "harmonic" style which became common in Gothic cathedrals during the following century. The columns are purely decorative, and are so thin they are compared to the strings of a harp. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. [23] He completed the installation of the rose window, and above it twelve statues of the apostles. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. Category:Strasbourg Cathedral organ - Wikimedia Commons [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 planned south tower was never built and as a result, with its characteristic asymmetrical form, the cathedral is now the premier landmark of Alsace. As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. . A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. Visit Strasbourg, the European capital - Visit Alsace One angel sounds the bell while a second turns over an hourglass. In the portal of the Last Judgement, (right) Christ sits on his throne sorting the virtuous from the wicked. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. Select from premium Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral of the highest quality. These windows date to about 1345. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! The visual effect of the faade is enhanced by its unusual darkish red stone. Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. The rose windows of the west transept facade were made between 1230 and 1235, Above the rose are smaller round oculi from the same period, depicting Biblical symbols; the Alpha and Omega, the Candelabra of the Ancient Alliance, and others which combine floral and geometric designs. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. A door opens from the chapel to an adjoining cloister behind the cathedral. Strasbourg Cathedral 104 Results Strasbourg Alsace France Petite France Ill Waterfront Sticker By artshop77 From $1.40 DECEMBER Canvas Print By Tritri Choupi $84.50 Strasbourg Cathedral - France Sticker By Moritz Schwble From $2.61 Strasbourg Alsace France Petite France street scene Sticker By artshop77 From $1.40 strasbourg cathedral Sticker They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. At the same time, the planned two spires on either side of the facade would reach an extraordinary height of 122 meters. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. When the word was spread that Adolf Hitler wanted to turn the church into a national sanctuary of the German people during World War II, all the stained-glass windows were put into 74 boxes and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn in Germany. 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. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. Today, about 275,000 people live there (with around 780,000 in the metropolitan area ). 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. [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. [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. 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. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. THE 10 BEST Strasbourg Sights & Historical Landmarks Its considered to be the epitome of French Gothic architecture, 5. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. They were commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu for the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, and were made to accompany a painting there, "The Vow of Louis XIII". The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. The rounded arches of tympanum over the doorway contain sculpture of the Virgin Mary dying, surrounded by the Twelve Apostles and being crowned by Christ. This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. 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). The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. It's the most. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. 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 main architect and the man credited with most of the cathedrals design was Erwin von Steinbach (1244-1318), a German architect. pictures from Axis Mundi Design. The belltower is 142 m high. It was rebuilt 1298, in 13241327, in 1384, 1430, and 1489 and finally in 1716 by Andr Silbermann. The Chapel of John the Baptist preserves its thick Romanesque walls and two Romanesque windows. A monument has been erected in his honor in a town nearby called Steinbach which is part of the town of Baden-Baden, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the northeast of Strasbourg. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. [68] Its base is topped by a gallery with pointed arches, beneath a level with large arched bays, two on each side, side, divided by clusters of columns. The South Transept contains the Pillar of Angels, a massive supporting pillar for the ceiling. Cathedrals can be found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox . As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. Most of the stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages, 14. This switch was made under the influence of architects who worked on the Cathedral of Chartres. Each holds a sceptre in his right hand and an orb in the left hand, symbols of their responsibility as both sovereigns and religious figures. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. The first traverses were made in what was known as the Lorraine style, with two levels of quadripartite windows, traversed by a narrow passageway. A Romanesque portal opens to the cloister outside. All the parts of the clock together are 18m (59ft) high. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. On the south side, the upper windows depict soldiers, popes, bishops, and other masculine figures. The original statues were replaced by copies in the 20th century and are today kept in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. This is also true for Ecclesia and Synagoga, arguably the most famous statues of the cathedral, if not of Strasbourg. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. Strasbourg city guide - tourist information in English - About France Top 10 Little known Facts about Palais Rohan It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. The cathedral was one of the earliest structures built with exterior flying buttresses. 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. 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. 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. When the Romans were driven out, the original structure was replaced by a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Stavelot Triptych. Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. Visiting Strasbourg Cathedral: All You Need to Know With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. The Strasbourg Cathedral is impossible to miss as it towers above the surrounding buildings and is located in the center of the city. 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 belltower is 142 m high. Bishop Heinrich von Hasenburg was the leading figure behind the start of the construction of the church and he had one goal, to make it more amazing than the newly finished cathedral of Basel. 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. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. [84], In 2004 the apse and choir received some of its historic furnishings; fifteen choir stalls made by Claude Burdy and Claude Bergerat in 1692, as well as a group of busts of the apostles originally placed there in the 18th century. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. 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. Every day at solar noon, Christ and the Apostles go on a procession and the rooster is integrated into the clock crows thrice. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest still standing extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. Strasbourg Cathedral Facts for Kids - Kiddle In height to the vaults it is 32.616 metres (107.01ft). [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. 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 One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 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! [16], A Roman settlement called Argentoratum, twenty hectares in size, existed on the site since about 12 B.C., at a strategic point where bridges crossed the Rhine and two of its tributaries. 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. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. [17] The first recorded bishop, Amand, participated in the Councils of Cologne and Sardique in 346 and 347. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. The urban community is the residence for 467,375 people, while the city proper was occupied by 272,975 people based on the report in 2006. Strasbourg Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic cathedral in the city of Strasbourg, France. A pointed arch frames the window, and a row of blind arches at the lower level completes the decoration. During the Franco-Prussian War of 187071, city was under siege. From 1647 until 1874 it was the world's tallest building and today it is still the highest structure still standing that was built in the middle ages. 15 Iconic Facts About Strasbourg Cathedral | Ultimate List The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Add to Favorites . Constructed of pink sandstone from the Vosges Mountains, it took nearly 3 centuries of work to complete this "gigantic and delicate marvel", as Victor Hugo called it. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK Here are the best facts about Strasbourg Cathedral 1. Above this level is a celestial globe in a sky of painted stars which makes a complete revolution every 23 hours, fifty-six minutes and four seconds. This embroidered cloth has a length of about 70 meters (230 feet) and a height of 50 centimeters (20 inches). [82], Multiple faces of the clock -stars and hours, One face of the clock -signs of the zodiac, The astronomical clock, located in the south transept, is one of the most famous features of the cathedral. [38], Seven church bells were removed and melted down to made into cannon, and gold and other precious objects in the interior confiscated and taken away, and in November 1793 the cathedral was formally proclaimed a "Temple of Reason. The cathedral - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. The statue of the "Synagogue" is blindfolded, since Jews did not recognise the divinity of Christ. Above this is a globe, with painted figures of the Church and the Antichrist confronting each other. Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide The Bayeux Tapestry is without a doubt the most fascinating Romanesque artwork that was ever produced. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg An additional element of decoration is given by the small sculpted, painted, and gilded heads on the keystones of the vaults, where the ribs meet. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. Thanks to the installation of rib vaults, the nave was raised in height to 27 meters, and the upper walls were filled with stained glass windows. 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 upper windows at Strasbourg fill the entire space between the triforium and the vaults. The Steinbachs's plans for the completion of the cathedral were not followed through by the chief architects who took over after them, and instead of the originally envisioned two spires, a single, octagonal tower with an elongated, octagonal crowning was built on the northern side of the west facade by master Ulrich von Ensingen and his successor, Johannes Hltz. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. The platform - Strasbourg - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. This was then carried out in the south transept. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. 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. At 142 metres (466 feet), Strasbourg Cathedral was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874 (227 years), when it was surpassed by St. Nikolai's Church, Hamburg. 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. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. 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 painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. The nave and choir were composed of three vessels, each with two traverses. Most of the sculptures decorating this portal are copies and the originals are on display in a museum in Strasbourg called the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame.. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. The walls of the tower have tall lancet openings, which show the bells and bring light into the interior, and are decorated on the exterior with interlocking pointed gables. Cathedral Facts for Kids - Kiddle 13 Facts About Notre-Dame Cathedral | Mental Floss