Above this is a flamboyant Gothic balustrade with an original sundial from about 1493, and above that are two small rose windows from the same period. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. The tympanum was destroyed in the French Revolution and replaced by a work by the sculptor Jean Vallastre[fr] (17651833). These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). Kids Encyclopedia Facts. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. Strasbourg cathedral, a must-see visit in Alsace In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. The belltower is 142 m high. The visual effect of the faade is enhanced by its unusual darkish red stone. 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. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. Only those Christian denominations that have bishops have cathedrals. [17], The first cathedral built on the present site was erected by the bishop Saint Arbogast in about 550575. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. The observation deck is located at a height of 66 meters (217 feet) and offers some of the most amazing views of the wonderful city of Strasbourg and its surroundings! The chevet, or east end, probably also had a tower, and was flanked by two chapels. The Top Must-Visit Attractions in Strasbourg - Culture Trip The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). When Bishop Werner I supported the winning candidate, Henry II of Germany, one of his Henry's rivals, Hermann of Germany, raided Strasbourg and burned down the cathedral. A Brief History of Strasbourg Cathedral - Culture Trip 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). The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. [61], Lower portion of octagonal tower and spire, The octagonal tower and spire (remote view), The cathedral was originally intended to have two towers on the west front, but only the north one was built. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace, France - European Traveler Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! - French Moments The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The two lower lancet windows were put together in the 19th century out of glass from different centuries. Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. 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. [69] The medieval crossing dome's aspect was altered several times over the centuries. In 1518, a 'dancing plague' affected around 400 people in Strasbourg, Alsace (Now a city of France . This switch was made under the influence of architects who worked on the Cathedral of Chartres. Many of his writings have not ever been translated. 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. Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? And the Best Museums to Visit 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. [37] 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. The narthex is the portion of the cathedral just inside the west front, beneath the tower. 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 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. 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. In 1015, bishop Werner laid the first stone of a new cathedral on the foundations of the Carolingian church. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Address Pl. The 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France - TripSavvy Add to Favorites . The guard's house, located in the spot planned for the second spire, reflects a rich history going back to the 16th century. Strasbourg.info - Strasbourg Cathedral [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. It dates to the end of the 15th century. In 1988, the Strasbourg Cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the historic centre of the city (called the "Grande le") because of its outstanding Gothic architecture. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. CATHDRALE ALLEMANDE? This faade has been credited to Erwin von Steinback and is considered to be an absolute masterpiece of the Gothic Era. [19], 1277 plan for west front (Plan Riss B restitution), Construction of Strasbourg Cathedral, by Thophile Schuler, 1850, Strasbourg Cathedral in the Middle Ages, painting by August von Bayer (19th century), The next major project was the rebuilding of the west front, or facade, in the Gothic style. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. 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. [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. Another remarkable feature inside the church is the Strasbourg astronomical clock. Its the third clock on this location and was installed in the year 1843, with previous clocks dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries. On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. 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. It lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the German city of Kehl . 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. 10. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. Among the paintings, those worthy of mention are the "Assumption of the Virgin" and "Ascension of Christ", by Joseph Heim (1787-1865). The platform - Strasbourg - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion The Cathedral, Strasbourg | Ticket Price | Timings - TripHobo Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. Goethe and the Strasbourg Cathedral - My French Quest Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. [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. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - SpottingHistory.com They feature a Tree of Jesse (The Genealogy of Christ) and the judgement of Solomon (right window) and the Virgin Mary with John the Baptist and John the Evangelist) as well as King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and King David on the left. On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg | Visit Alsace The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. [83], Animated characters launch into movement at different hours of the day. While its most definitely assumed that drawings of buildings were made before the construction of this cathedral, the construction of this particular church marked an important moment in architectural history. The cathedral was one of the earliest structures built with exterior flying buttresses. The original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. A trick saved the cathedrals spire during the French Revolution, 13. Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. 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. Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral France: Gothic Masterpiece 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. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. 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. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. [67], The Klotz designed crossing dome over the transept, The crossing dome being built, 1878 or 1879, Romanesque vaults beneath the Klotz crossing dome. [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". 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. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. Strasbourg Cathedral - Wikiwand Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. . The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. The known dimensions of the building are as follows:[87]. 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! [34] The main or high altar, a major work of early Renaissance sculpture, was also demolished that year. 15+ Intriguing Strasbourg France Facts to Improve Your Knowledge Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. 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 central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. Other With a height of 18 meters (59 feet), its one of the largest astrological clocks of its kind in the world! 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. Free shipping for many products! This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. Cathedral. Thanks to 3D reconstructions of. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. Strasbourg Cathedral Gifts & Merchandise for Sale | Redbubble All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. It was originally made in 1498 by Nicolas Roder for the cemetery of Saint-Thomas, and was based on engravings by Martin Schongauer and Albrecht Drer. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! Strasbourg | History, Geography, & Points of Interest | Britannica Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. The cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. It measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. One can see 30 kilometers from the observation level, which provides a view of the Rhine banks from the Vosges all the way to the Black Forest. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. The ornate and colourful decoration of pinnacle, spires, and sculpture Sculpture also hangs beneath the organ, including a moving figure of Samson opening the jaws of a lion. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest still standing extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. Figures of two reclining women hold a cadran (clock face) between them which tells the minutes. The altar was recreated in 1809 by the architect Pierre-Valentin Boudhors, who discovered the old central medallion of the original altar and combined it with white and black marble panels. But it hasn't always been. 13 Facts About Notre-Dame Cathedral | Mental Floss A retrouver dans la galerie. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to our channel. 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. CDV Photo Cathedral Strasbourg France E Brion | eBay Top 10 Famous Romanesque Artworks - art-facts.com In the late Middle Ages, the city of Strasbourg had managed to liberate itself from the domination of the bishop and to rise to the status of Free Imperial City. Strasbourg Cathedral, France - arc It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. [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. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. [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. Under the roof of the Klotz tower are the six bells that ring the weekly masses but also the baptisms, marriages and deaths of parishioners. The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. They were purchased by the Chapter of Strasbourg Cathedral in 1739, and were an example of the importation of the French style of that period into Alsace. The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. Visiting Strasbourg Cathedral: All You Need to Know The two rose windows above are later, from the 14th century, with vegetal designs. Strasbourg Cathedralor the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg(French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburgor Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a cathedral. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. 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. [72], The three levels of the nave; arcades and collateral aisles (bottom); triforium, and upper windows, The nave is the section of the cathedral between the narthex and the choir where ordinary parishioners are seated and worship. A bas-relief of an abstracted Gothic cathedral will emerge on the . At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CDV Photo Cathedral Strasbourg France E Brion at the best online prices at eBay! [8], The nave is dominated by the two rows of massive pillars. Above this are two levels of animated mechanical figures, above that a figure of Christ and the four Evangelists, under a dome formed by crossed arches. 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. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. 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. This mechanism displays the phases of the moon. 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. 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 This was then carried out in the south transept. Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches. Strasbourg city guide - tourist information in English - About France [85], The bourdon, the largest and deepest-sounding bell, In 1519 Strasbourg Cathedral commissioned Jerg von Speyer to create what was said to be the largest bell in Europe; 2.74 meters in diameter and weighing twenty tons. 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. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is the landmark of the city and known in the whole world. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. 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. Cathedral Strasbourg France Church Vintage Antique Photo 1910's 1920's Emperior Charles V visits the cathedral in 1552. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. [17] The first recorded bishop, Amand, participated in the Councils of Cologne and Sardique in 346 and 347. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. The statues in the portals are all standing upon realistically carved capitals decorated with the signs of the zodiac. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece - TripAnthropologist [23] He completed the installation of the rose window, and above it twelve statues of the apostles. Are Strasbourg Cathedral And Notre Dame The Same Building? 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.