[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. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. [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. Here are the best facts about Strasbourg Cathedral 1. 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. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. Strasbourg Cathedral, France [HD] - YouTube 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 original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. Strasbourg Cathedral - Wikiwand Strasbourg Cathedral - Wikipedia Strasbourg Cathedral Building, France - e-architect In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. 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 Pictures, Images and Stock Photos [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. They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. 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 face is flanked by two cylindrical towers with narrow lancet windows and pointed roofs. The second wave of construction started in the 12th century, when the Gothic style of architecture had started to develop. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Strasbourg Cathedral - Etsy Its considered to be the epitome of French Gothic architecture, 5. The cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. Christmas in Strasbourg, France (2022): Everything You Need to Know 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. [69] The medieval crossing dome's aspect was altered several times over the centuries. 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. They were constructed around its nave in the 12th century to lend support to the thin walls, after the need. 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. [79]. Emperior Charles V visits the cathedral in 1552. The rose window, with a rayonnant Gothic design, is fourteen metres in diameter and was finished in 1345. 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. Cathedral. (New York, NY) April 21, 2011 - Axis Mundi was invited to submit a proposal for a new cathedral for the city of Strasbourg, France. Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. [45] During that same war, the stained glass was removed in 74 cases. Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and Its the capital of the Grand Est region of France in the historic region of Alsace. 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. Take a moment to yourself in the cathedral; sit in a pew and enjoy the peace. Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). The belltower is 142 m high. 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. In 1524, the city council assigned the cathedral to the Protestant faith, while the building suffered some damage from iconoclastic assaults. They are covered with Romanesque groin vaults, formed by the intersection of rounded barrel vaults, and supported by massive cruciform pillars and cylindrical columns with palm leaf decoration on their capitals. [84], Canon Conrad de Bussnang praying to Virgin and Child. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. Like the city of Strasbourg, the cathedral connects German and French cultural influences, while the eastern structures, e.g. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Together with the Cologne Cathedral, the faade of the Strasbourg Cathedral is considered to be one of the first buildings in history which made architectural drawings necessary to make it conceivable. [17] The first recorded bishop, Amand, participated in the Councils of Cologne and Sardique in 346 and 347. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. Recht, Roland; Foessel, Georges; Klein, Jean-Pierre: Learn how and when to remove this template message, Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market, List of tallest structures built before the 20th century, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Wissembourg, "Architecture et sculpture gothiques: cathdrale de Strasbourg (1)", "Prodige du gigantesque et du dlicat (translation)", "Chronologie des fouilles archologiques", "17. Bayeux Tapestry. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. [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. Many of his writings have not ever been translated. Free shipping for many products! 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. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. Most of the stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages, 14. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. [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. Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. The first astronomical clock was installed in the cathedral from 135254 until 1500. An even older bell, by Jean Jacques-Miller (1595), repeats the sounding of the hours one minute later. Visit Strasbourg, the European capital - Visit Alsace On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [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. Strasbourg is, indeed, in France. Since it was built, the platform has been a popular tourist attraction, and, until recently, a strategic fire lookout. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg 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. Visit the Cathedral of Strasbourg - Guide to prepare your visit 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 cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. And finally, here's my list of the top 4 packing essentials you shouldn't head to the Strasbourg Cathedral without. Strasbourg Cathedral in France is famous for its western facade. Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. Visiting Strasbourg Cathedral: All You Need to Know [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. 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]. 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. [37] It was completed in 1399 and highlight of the cathedral was its 142-metre spire. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. 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. It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. 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. How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? Inside Strasbourg Cathedral: A Must-Visit in Strasbourg, France The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. The crossing is filled with statues and busts of saints set into niches as well as bas-reliefs of the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi. 11 Things to do in Strasbourg France: History, Culture, and Food The South Transept contains the Pillar of Angels, a massive supporting pillar for the ceiling. With a height of 18 meters (59 feet), its one of the largest astrological clocks of its kind in the world! This embroidered cloth has a length of about 70 meters (230 feet) and a height of 50 centimeters (20 inches). 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. This was then carried out in the south transept. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. A bas-relief of an abstracted Gothic cathedral will emerge on the . One of the most incredible facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that its spire was saved because the citizens of Strasbourg dressed the spire of the church with a huge tin Phrygian cap, the exact type of cap worn by the Enrags at the time. 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 upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. A Romanesque portal opens to the cloister outside. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. [50], The restoration of the tower was completed in 2006, and in 2014 a new campaign of restoration was begun on the south transept. 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. [34] The main or high altar, a major work of early Renaissance sculpture, was also demolished that year. They are traditionally hung in the arcades of the nave during Advent. 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 construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. The Gothic style also appeared in the statuary, particularly the Pillar of the Angels, and in the tympanums over the double portals on the south transept, which showed the influence of the sculpture in French Gothic cathedrals. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. 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). Drawing A, circa 1260. [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 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. Architect Erwin von Steinbach is credited for major contributions from 1277 to his death in 1318, and beyond through his son Johannes von Steinbach, and his grandson Gerlach von Steinbach, who succeeded him as chief architects. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. 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). 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. A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. But it hasn't always been. [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. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Address Pl. 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. The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. 2,793 Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral Premium High Res Photos 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. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. 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. [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. Strasbourg and Cologne Cathedral together represent some of the earliest uses of architectural drawing. On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. During the Franco-Prussian War of 187071, city was under siege. Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. The faade is supported and divided vertically by four narrow buttresses, each decorated with sculpture. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. This massive faade was decorated with thousands of figures giving it a unique and magnificent impression! A cathedral is a large Christian church. [82] Other parts of the vaults are upheld by Atlantes, supports in the form of human figures. Top 10 Little known Facts about Palais Rohan [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. He reconstructed the dome over the transept in a grander, Romanesque Revival style. Strasbourg.info - Strasbourg Cathedral Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral France: Gothic Masterpiece Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. It lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the German city of Kehl . Strasbourg France Facts 1: the population. 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. pictures from Axis Mundi Design. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg (French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg or Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. [56], The mid-level of the transept over the portal, built in about 1230, has lancet windows and a statue of Virgin, flanked by Saint Peter and Saint Lawrence. Christianity was first imposed in 313 by the Edict of Constantine. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. The statues in the portals are all standing upon realistically carved capitals decorated with the signs of the zodiac. The belltower is 142 m high. Strasbourg | History, Geography, & Points of Interest | Britannica These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. 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.