Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. The guard's house, located in the spot planned for the second spire, reflects a rich history going back to the 16th century. 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. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. [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. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Address Pl. When the Romans were driven out, the original structure was replaced by a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. 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. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. 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 Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. Type of place: Religious site. The pilasters between the stairways are older, from 1015. [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. Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. The construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. Other moving figures include a trumpet player carrying a banner and a pretzel vendor being offered flour, water, and salt by the caryatides on the console. The other vaults in the crossing were also intended to be painted, but funding was insufficient. Pl. They were constructed around its nave in the 12th century to lend support to the thin walls, after the need. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. It also dates from the 15th century. In 2010, the metropolitan area of Strasbourg is inhabited by 759,868 people. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. Other [79]. Cathedral facts for kids. HayleesSilver From shop HayleesSilver. 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. 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.. 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 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]. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. 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. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. The second wave of construction started in the 12th century, when the Gothic style of architecture had started to develop. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. This is crowned by the cross, which is surrounded by four smaller crosses and images of the host and chalice, elements of the liturgy of the Eucharist. 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. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! LMENTS POUR UNE RPONSE", Les grandes dates de lhistoire de la Cathdrale de Strasbourg, "1439 1527: Strasbourg, loge suprme du Saint-Empire romain germanique", "Strasbourg Cathedral and the French Revolution (17891802)", "1906-1926: Consolidation des fondations du pilier de la tou", "CLBRATION DANS LA CATHDRALE DE NOTRE-DAME STRASBOURG HOMLIE DU PAPE JEAN-PAUL II Samedi, 8 octobre 1988", "Sculpture - Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame", "L'histoire de la sculpture de saint Arbogast", "1399 1419: Construction de la haute tour", "Jubil du demi-millnaire de la flche de la cathdrale de Strasbourg. You will surely enjoy exploring the vibrant . Strasbourg is the seat Council of Europe, of the European Court of Human Rights and of the European Parliament. Free shipping for many products! 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. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. 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 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. It was decorated with paintings by the Swiss painter Tobias Stimmer. The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. Since it was built, the platform has been a popular tourist attraction, and, until recently, a strategic fire lookout. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. [50], The restoration of the tower was completed in 2006, and in 2014 a new campaign of restoration was begun on the south transept. History. 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. Even though the cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany, it still holds the record of being the tallest church in the world that was completely constructed during the Middle Ages. [36], A series of major reconstructions and restorations were carried out in the second of the century Gustave Klotz[fr] from 1837 to 1888. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. 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. Parcours "The Cathedral of Strasbourg" Streetcar line: Ligne A, D-Arrt : Langstross Grand'Rue. Apart from that, he is also standing just outside of the Cathedral near the southern transept of the church. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. [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. 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. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. Each holds a sceptre in his right hand and an orb in the left hand, symbols of their responsibility as both sovereigns and religious figures. 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. Choir pipe organ, north side of the choir, Height of observation deck: 66m (217ft), Exterior height of central nave: 40m (130ft), Inside height of central nave: 32m (105ft), Inside width of central nave: 16m (52ft), Inside height of lateral naves: 19m (62ft), Exterior width of west faade: 51.5m (169ft), Diameter of west faade rose window: 13.6m (45ft). The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. [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. [26][27][28], The octagonal north tower was the combined work of architects Ulrich Ensingen (shaft) and Johannes Hltz of Cologne (top). 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]. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. [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. [53], Unlike the sculpture of earlier cathedrals, the Strasbourg statues clearly show emotions; the prophets look severe, the Virgins appear serene, the Virtues look noble, and the frivolous Virgins appear foolish. 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). [34] The main or high altar, a major work of early Renaissance sculpture, was also demolished that year. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. 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. 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. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. 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. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. Ad vertisement from shop HayleesSilver. 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. 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. 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. In 1956, the Council of Europe donated the famous choir window by Max Ingrand, the "Strasbourg Madonna" (see also Flag of Europe Biblical interpretation). Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. 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. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. Archaeological excavations below and around the cathedral have been conducted in 18961897,[11] 1907,[12] 19231924,[13] 19471948,[14] between 1966 and 1972,[15] and finally between 2012 and 2014. The reddish-brown sandstone from the Vosges mountains gives the cathedral its distinctive colour.[8]. [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. 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 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. 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 Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. 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. Strasbourg is the second most popular tourist city in France, after Paris; and there are three main attractions. The outgoing 15th century was marked by the sermons of Johann Geiler von Kaisersberg and by the emerging Protestant Reformation, represented in Strasbourg by figures such as John Calvin, Martin Bucer and Jacob Sturm von Sturmeck. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. [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. The new building, with its wooden roof beams, was unfortunately prone to fire; it suffered from fires in 1136, 1140,1150, and 1176. Thanks to 3D reconstructions of. [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. [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 Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially . This clock functioned until 1788, and can be seen today in the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. In 1518, a 'dancing plague' affected around 400 people in Strasbourg, Alsace (Now a city of France . The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. 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. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. Emperior Charles V visits the cathedral in 1552. Cathedrals can be found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox . By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. Stavelot Triptych. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! This switch was made under the influence of architects who worked on the Cathedral of Chartres. The first cathedral was built on top of this temple and was completed in the 7th century, but nothing of these structures remains today. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. [71], Two chapels, devoted to Saint Andrew and Saint John the Baptist, were attached to the two sides of the apse. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. 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. The first traverses were made in what was known as the Lorraine style, with two levels of quadripartite windows, traversed by a narrow passageway. It is composed of an octagonal pillar surrounded by four engaged columns, which reach upwards to support the vaults, and four slender colonettes. 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. Walk up 66 meters to marvel at the view of Strasbourg from the top of the clock. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. The Director of public works of Strasbourg, Grold, quickly took down and protected the statues of the portal, but 215 statues of the voussures over the portals were smashed with hammers, as were the angels atop the gables on the facade, and the crowns and sceptres of the statues of the kings. 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 is a city in eastern France, the prefecture of Grand Est. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. At the same time, the planned two spires on either side of the facade would reach an extraordinary height of 122 meters. 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.