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. [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. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. [67] It is surrounded and supported by four more slender towers containing circular stairways. The belltower is 142 m high. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. The walls are pierced with narrow slits, like a medieval fortress, giving it a very military appearance. 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. It is still in place.[86]. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. 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. Cathedral facts for kids. Let's find out the people who live in Strasbourg. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. It was completed in 1399 and highlight of the cathedral was its 142-metre spire. [46] and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany. [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. [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. 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. 1439-1939", "Straburger Mnster, Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg", "Straburger Mnster Mnster Unserer Lieben Frau", Notre Dame Cathedral (original plans and contemporary photographs), Historical Sketch of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, Diocese of GrenobleVienne-les-Allobroges, Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Sainte-Croix-de-Paris, Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Paris, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saint Vladimir the Great of Paris, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strasbourg_Cathedral&oldid=1140780300, 15th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in France, Roman Catholic churches completed in 1439, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Articles with German-language sources (de), Articles needing cleanup from October 2021, Cleanup tagged articles with a reason field from October 2021, Wikipedia pages needing cleanup from October 2021, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with MusicBrainz place identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, First Emperor Window: HENRICUS REX (presumably, Fourth Emperor Window: KAROLUS D[ic]C[tu]S MARTEL PATER BIPPINI (, Fifth Emperor Window: LOTHARIUS ROMANORUM IMPERATOR (. [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. 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. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. [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. The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. 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 The chapel is devoted to memorials to six canons who were entombed there between 1478 and 1681. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, churches in France were in great danger. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. [48] The bishopric of Strasbourg had been elevated to the rank of archbishopric a few months before, in June 1988. It was built on the site of a chapel from the Merovingian dynasty - the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the fifth to the eighth centuries. They are traditionally hung in the arcades of the nave during Advent. 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 cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. 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. Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. Drawing A, circa 1260. A bas-relief of an abstracted Gothic cathedral will emerge on the . If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to our channel. The belltower is 142 m high. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. In 1015, bishop Werner laid the first stone of a new cathedral on the foundations of the Carolingian church. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. The octagon tower was begun in 1399 by Ulrich von Ensingen (chief architect until 1419), and crowned with a spire by his successor Johannes Hltz. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. 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. 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. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. 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. 10. [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. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. 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. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. Figures of two reclining women hold a cadran (clock face) between them which tells the minutes. 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. De bouw van het uit roze zandsteen opgetrokken gebouw begon in 1176 en werd na 263 jaar in 1439 afgerond strasbourg cathedral stock pictures, royalty . It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. This is also true for Ecclesia and Synagoga, arguably the most famous statues of the cathedral, if not of Strasbourg. 1. 300 years actually, give or take a few decade! 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). 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. The pilasters between the stairways are older, from 1015. Type of place: Religious site. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. Architect Jakob von Landshut and sculptor Hans von Aachen rebuilt the portal of the northern portal, now referred to as the Saint-Lawrence portal or Portail Saint-Laurent, starting in 1505, which was the height of the Renaissance period. [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. These windows date to about 1345. Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. [26][27][28], The octagonal north tower was the combined work of architects Ulrich Ensingen (shaft) and Johannes Hltz of Cologne (top). With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. When the Romans were driven out, the original structure was replaced by a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 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. An even older bell, by Jean Jacques-Miller (1595), repeats the sounding of the hours one minute later. 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. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. The Strasbourg Cathedral in France is known for its unique spire, because of it the cathedral was the highest monument in the world for more than two centuries! 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. Klotz's dome was in turn heavily damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and restored between 1988 and 1992. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! [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. The new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. The Bayeux Tapestry is without a doubt the most fascinating Romanesque artwork that was ever produced. [75], The windows of the triforium, between the upper and lower window, contain 19th-century reconstitutions of early windows depicting the ancestors of Christ, but little of the original glass remains. A cathedral is a large Christian church. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. This was changed and the French Gothic style or Rayonnant Gothic was used for most parts of the cathedral starting in the 13th century. two bells are from 1987 and 2006. [86], Original wimperg of the faade in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, Original statues of the Tempter, the foolish Virgins and the wise Virgins from the right faade portal, Bust (ca. The central art work of the North Transept is a large statue of Christ on the cross, over a sculptural landscape depicting the Mount of Olives, crowded with carved figures in dramatic poses. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. 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. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. 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. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. This faade has been credited to Erwin von Steinback and is considered to be an absolute masterpiece of the Gothic Era. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. 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. Walk through history on a guided walking tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral. Cathedral. Originally the lantern was topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the cathedral, but in 1488 it was replaced by a fleuron, or flower-shaped ornament. 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. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. [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. 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 stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. Free shipping for many products! Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. This unique architectural style of the cathedral makes it all the more beautiful. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. The columns are purely decorative, and are so thin they are compared to the strings of a harp. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. 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. 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 cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. Construction finished in 1439 with the erection of the emblematic North tower. Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. 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. Work on the church was frequently interrupted by wars and political crises. [36], A series of major reconstructions and restorations were carried out in the second of the century Gustave Klotz[fr] from 1837 to 1888. 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. Above this are blind arcades, an ornate cornice, and then a pointed roof with a pair of dormer or skylight windows, a small window above a large one, on each side, which brought light to the choir below. STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL .925 Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Alsace France Europe Landmark Travel Souvenir New tf35 ad vertisement by HayleesSilver. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. 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. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. The guard's house, located in the spot planned for the second spire, reflects a rich history going back to the 16th century. They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour.