The most amazing feature of the cathedral is its west faade, 9. The painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. 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. [29][30] The building of the second tower was often discussed, and was seriously proposed when Alsace became part of Germany after the 1871 French-German War in 1871, but was coldly received by the population of Strasbourg, who considered it would be a symbol of German occupation.[31]. CATHDRALE ALLEMANDE? 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 (official French: Notre-Dame de Strasbourg ,German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg, Our Lady of Strasbourg) is the Cathedral in Strasbourg. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cathedral Strasbourg France Church Vintage Antique Photo 1910's 1920's 1930's at the best online prices at eBay! During the Franco-Prussian War of 187071, city was under siege. 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. With its spire soaring 142m above the city, Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest building in the West until the nineteenth century. [62][63][64][65][66], The eight-sided tower is three times higher than wide, more elongated than other Gothic towers of the 14th century. These windows date to about 1345. What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . The Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially . Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and The Bishop appealed to the new Emperor, who granted one eighth of his revenues in the province toward the construction of a new Cathedral. Strasbourg | History, Geography, & Points of Interest | Britannica Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. 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. Strasbourg cathedral, a must-see visit in Alsace A Brief History of Strasbourg Cathedral - Culture Trip He reconstructed the dome over the transept in a grander, Romanesque Revival style. 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. The new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. 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. The octagonal vault is covered with arches and lacelike interlaced sculpture in the late Gothic Flamboyant style. The main architect and the man credited with most of the cathedrals design was Erwin von Steinbach (1244-1318), a German architect. 5 out of 5 stars (7,356) $ 17.50. Like the city of Strasbourg, the cathedral connects German and French cultural influences, while the eastern structures, e.g. When the Romans were driven out, the original structure was replaced by a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 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. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. Cathedral of Notre-Dame | cathedral, Strasbourg, France [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. Strasbourg, Grande-le and - UNESCO World Heritage Centre It is surrounded by a big place where tourists and inhabitants of Strasbourg like to take a walk. 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.. The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! 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 very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. [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. [8], A set of "Emperor" windows, (Otto I, Otto II, Otto III, Conrad II, Henry III), Emperors Philip of Swabia, Henry IV, Henry V, Frederick II, Henry II of Bamberg, with head remounted on earlier body (1522), The five lower bays on the north side contain some of the oldest stained glass of the cathedral, installed in the old Romanesque cathedral in about 1180. [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. This Carolingian church is believed to have had an apse flanked by two chapels and a nave covered with a wooden beamed roof, but no trace remains today. 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! [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. [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. [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. [70], The chevet, at the northeast end of the cathedral, close to the transept, has vestiges that go back to the Romanesque cathedral, particularly at the lower levels. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. 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 is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral, France [HD] - YouTube It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. Category:Strasbourg Cathedral organ - Wikimedia Commons The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg | Visit Alsace Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. The Cathedral, Strasbourg | Ticket Price | Timings - TripHobo Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. The more recent one is under the transept, from about 1150, and the older one, under the apse, was built in about 1110 to 1120. The cathedral was hit by British and American bombs during air raids on the centre of Strasbourg on 11 August 1944, which also heavily damaged the Palais Rohan and the Sainte-Madeleine Church. At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. 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. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. Cathedral Strasbourg France Church Vintage Antique Photo 1910's 1920's This faade has been credited to Erwin von Steinback and is considered to be an absolute masterpiece of the Gothic Era. It was built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s, from designs by Robert de Cotte . Strasbourg's 11th-15th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame, damaged in 1870 and again in World War II, has been carefully restored. [51], The rose window and gallery of the Apostles, The west front or faade, the main entrance of the cathedral, is a relatively late addition, constructed between 1277 and 1490. Christmas in Strasbourg, France (2022): Everything You Need to Know Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide [17] The first recorded bishop, Amand, participated in the Councils of Cologne and Sardique in 346 and 347. 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). It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! 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. It's the most. The two lower lancet windows were put together in the 19th century out of glass from different centuries. Are Strasbourg Cathedral And Notre Dame The Same Building? Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral is located in the heart of the Grande le, an island that lies at the historic centre of the north-eastern French city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Add to Favorites . A paleochristian church or cathedral is believed to have been founded by an edict of Clovis I, but its exact location and appearance is unknown. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. [50], The restoration of the tower was completed in 2006, and in 2014 a new campaign of restoration was begun on the south transept. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. [79]. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. It is composed of an octagonal pillar surrounded by four engaged columns, which reach upwards to support the vaults, and four slender colonettes. The new building, with its wooden roof beams, was unfortunately prone to fire; it suffered from fires in 1136, 1140,1150, and 1176. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. The sacristy occupies the upper level over the chapel. The cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany. And finally, here's my list of the top 4 packing essentials you shouldn't head to the Strasbourg Cathedral without. This cathedral was then again replaced by a more prominent structure which consisted of three naves and three apses, and it was on the ruins of this Carolingian cathedral that the original modern-day cathedral was constructed in 1015. Strasbourg Cathedral: How to Visit & What to See - TripSavvy [8], The nave is dominated by the two rows of massive pillars. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. In 1505, architect Jakob von Landshut and sculptor Hans von Aachen finished rebuilding the Saint-Lawrence portal (Portail Saint-Laurent) outside the northern transept in a markedly post-Gothic, early-Renaissance style. Strasbourg is a city in eastern France, the prefecture of Grand Est. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. 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. He was followed by a Michael von Freiburg (also known as Michael von Gmnd, or Michael Parler, from the Parler family of architects), recorded as magister operis in 13831387,[24] who was then succeeded by Claus von Lohre (13881399). #1 A Good Camera - No doubt you're going to be snapping like crazy with these amazing Cathedral views and need to ensure you have a good camera to do this city justice. It rises in three levels; the portals on the ground level; the level of the rose window above them, and the top level, with a balustrade. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. [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. 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. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . Completed in 1439, it looms majestically over the Place de la Cathdrale, a major city square. Strasbourg Cathedral - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour. 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 measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. Among the paintings, those worthy of mention are the "Assumption of the Virgin" and "Ascension of Christ", by Joseph Heim (1787-1865). 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. Strasbourg - Wikipedia two bells are from 1987 and 2006. Strasbourg Cathedral - Wikiwand 300 years actually, give or take a few decade! The cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. 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. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. [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. The European capital and the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg exudes youthfulness and energy. Strasbourg Cathedral - Etsy Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral France: Gothic Masterpiece The belltower is 142 m high. Each has a particular theme of decoration; the left portal is dedicated to the infancy of Christ, the central portal to redemption, and the right portal to the Last Judgement. It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. It dates to the end of the 15th century. It was rebuilt 1298, in 13241327, in 1384, 1430, and 1489 and finally in 1716 by Andr Silbermann. Construction finished in 1439 with the erection of the emblematic North tower. 00 4006 Langhausorgel im Strassburger Mnster.jpg 1,467 2,200; 3.7 MB 14-02-07-Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg-RalfR-05.jpg 2,848 4,288; 9.23 MB 14-02-07-Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg-RalfR-11.jpg 2,848 4,288; 8.14 MB 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. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. 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 central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. 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. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. 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 initial property, inscribed in 1988 on the World Heritage List, was formed by the Grande-le, the historic centre of Strasbourg, structured around the cathedral. The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. You will surely enjoy exploring the vibrant . 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. Cathedral. Strasbourg Cathedral: visitor information and guide - France This Way Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. Homepage Strasbourg. The construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. 1. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. This was changed and the French Gothic style or Rayonnant Gothic was used for most parts of the cathedral starting in the 13th century. Strasbourg Cathedral Building, France - e-architect [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. [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. On the last level are the Apostles, passing in front of Christ. [45] During that same war, the stained glass was removed in 74 cases. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. The 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France - TripSavvy As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. [75], The dog of the preacher Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg, on the steps, mourning his master, The pulpit, attached to the fourth pillar of the north side of the nave, was sculpted in 1485 following a design by Hans Hammer. 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 construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, we know today, thereafter started and it took quite a bit of time to finish. 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. Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . It lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the German city of Kehl . Cathedral facts for kids. 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. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. 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]. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. 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. This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. Church of St Peter the Young. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. Top 10 Little known Facts about Palais Rohan 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 choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. Free shipping for many products! Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered[2][3][4][5] to be among the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture. As the spire of the cathedral is dominating the Strasbourg skyline, one starts to wonder why the building has an asymmetrical form, giving the structure the appearance that something is missing. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. 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. The city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary in October of the year 1988 because it was first mentioned as the Ancient Roman settlement of Argentoratum in the year 12 B.C. [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". The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. 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. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. .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. 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 narthex is the portion of the cathedral just inside the west front, beneath the tower. It has an asymmetrical facade (mainly 13th century) with fine . Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the must-sees when visiting Strasbourg. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. Previous buildings on the site Type of place: Religious site. The Cathedrale Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic Church renovated and essentially rebuilt (from the original church of 1015) at the end of the 12th century in a Gothic architectural style. 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. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. Strasbourg Cathedral Gifts & Merchandise for Sale | Redbubble Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches.