Cathedral facts for kids. The rose window, with a rayonnant Gothic design, is fourteen metres in diameter and was finished in 1345. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. The reverse of the central doors of the portal has a column statue of Saint Peter holding the keys of the kingdom and above it a blind rose, without glass, a miniature version of the large rose window above it. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. One of the most remarkable facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that even though its considered to be the epitome of a church in the Gothic architectural style, the first phase consisted of Romanesque buildings. 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. 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. 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]. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. The main architect and the man credited with most of the cathedrals design was Erwin von Steinbach (1244-1318), a German architect. [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. [30], Notre Dame of Strasbourg turned into a Temple of Reason during the French Revolution, Strasbourg cathedral in 1837 with an optical telegraph, Strasbourg and the cathedral in 1869 (photo by Charles David Winter[fr]), Following the outbreak of the French Revolution, on 2 November 1789, all church property was seized by the French state and was soon vandalised by the most ardent revolutionaries, the Enrags. Apart from that, he is also standing just outside of the Cathedral near the southern transept of the church. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. Download Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. 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. Free shipping for many products! (15th c.), The chapel as it appeared in the 14th century (19th-century engraving), Tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg (131020), The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist is located just to the left of the apse, at the northeast end of the cathedral. Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. "We will rebuild Notre-Dame together because that is what our history deserves." The goal is to have the repairs completed in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. Kids Encyclopedia Facts. STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL .925 Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Alsace France Europe Landmark Travel Souvenir New tf35 ad vertisement by HayleesSilver. #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. Add to Favorites . Only those Christian denominations that have bishops have cathedrals. In 1918 Alsace and Strasbourg and Alscace were once again attached to France. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is the landmark of the city and known in the whole world. One of the most amazing facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that an addition was made in the early 16th century in the post-Gothic, early-Renaissance style, as well. A cathedral is a large Christian church. 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. de la Cathdrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France Phone +33 3 88 21 43 34 Web Visit website One of France's most stunning examples of late Gothic architecture, Strasbourg Cathedral towers over the Northern city's skyline with dramatic, imposing details. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. [17], The first cathedral built on the present site was erected by the bishop Saint Arbogast in about 550575. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. 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. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. At the same time, the planned two spires on either side of the facade would reach an extraordinary height of 122 meters. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The four bells in the octagon tower are rung on the hour. The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. [34] The main or high altar, a major work of early Renaissance sculpture, was also demolished that year. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. The cathedral has an observation deck that offers stunning views, French Revolution in the late 18th century, The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals Top 8 Facts, The Caf-Concert by douard Manet Top 8 Facts, Top 10 Famous Paintings at the Frans Hals Museum, 8 Historic Facts about the Szchenyi Chain Bridge. 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 weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. [52], The west front takes its distinctive appearance and sense of verticality from the dense network of lacelike pointed gables, pinnacles and tall, slender columns that cover it. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. It is composed of an octagonal pillar surrounded by four engaged columns, which reach upwards to support the vaults, and four slender colonettes. [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. Construction finished in 1439 with the erection of the emblematic North tower. It is still in place.[86]. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. History. While previous faades were certainly drawn prior to construction, Strasbourg has one of the earliest faades whose construction is inconceivable without prior drawing. The columns are purely decorative, and are so thin they are compared to the strings of a harp. The belltower is 142 m high. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. . The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. Pl. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. 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. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. Its considered to be the epitome of French Gothic architecture, 5. 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. [21] From 1341 until 1372 (or according to other sources: 13391371), the post of chief architect was held by a Master Gerlach (not to be confused with Erwin's other son, Gerlach von Steinbach, architect of the Niederhaslach Church),[22] who has been identified as Erwin's grandson Johannes Gerlach von Steinbach. Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Theres a reason why the church has an asymmetrical form, 12. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. Ad vertisement from shop HayleesSilver. 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. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. 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. It is surrounded by a big place where tourists and inhabitants of Strasbourg like to take a walk. [8], The nave is dominated by the two rows of massive pillars. These windows date to about 1345. 1. Strasbourg (UK: / s t r z b r /, US: / s t r s b r , s t r z-,-b r /, French: (); German: Straburg [tasbk] (); Bas Rhin Alsatian: Strossburi [dsbui] (), Haut Rhin Alsatian: Strossburig [dsbui] ()) is the prefecture and largest city of the Grand Est region of eastern France and the official seat of the . 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. Strasbourg Cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the must-sees when visiting Strasbourg. 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 European capital and the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg exudes youthfulness and energy. [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. A pointed arch frames the window, and a row of blind arches at the lower level completes the decoration. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. Above this is a globe, with painted figures of the Church and the Antichrist confronting each other. 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. Construction of the new cathedral began on the foundations of the preceding structures. Behind him is the portal of Saint Laurent. The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. Drawing A, circa 1260. 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 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 choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. One of the oldest surviving architectural drawings of the cathedral. Strasbourg Cathedral still holds a remarkable record, 7. A professor of the University of Iowa even wrote a paper concluding that the faade indeed had a well-planned design as it was designed using a series of rotated octagons. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. 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. 26 November the Church (majestic and crowned), King Solomon (above two other small statues of children evoking his famous judgement), and the Synagogue (eyes blindfolded, a sign of the refusal of true faith by the Jewish religion). Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. 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. The crossing dome is placed over the meeting point of the transept and the choir, and, like the bell tower, has eight sides. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. In height to the vaults it is 32.616 metres (107.01ft). 300 years actually, give or take a few decade! In 1524, the city council assigned the cathedral to the Protestant faith, while the building suffered some damage from iconoclastic assaults. It measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. It was hoisted up to its present position in 1327. The belltower is 142 m high. Walk up 66 meters to marvel at the view of Strasbourg from the top of the clock. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. Recent Boards {{ board.name }} {{ board.total_asset_count }} View all Boards View all Sets CREATE BOARD. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. The sculpture largely dates to the late 13th century and is similar in theme and style to that of the sculpture of Reims Cathedral made between 1250 and 1260, though the Strasbourg sculpture shows greater realism.[53]. 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). [71], The narthex of the cathedral and massive pillars supporting the tower, seen from the central nave, Inside of west front doors, with blind rose window and column-statue of St. Peter. 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 [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.