The chapel is devoted to memorials to six canons who were entombed there between 1478 and 1681. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. [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]. 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. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. 1. They are traditionally hung in the arcades of the nave during Advent. [37] Strasbourg Cathedral is over one thousand years old. It also dates from the 15th century. They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. The Steinbachs's plans for the completion of the cathedral were not followed through by the chief architects who took over after them, and instead of the originally envisioned two spires, a single, octagonal tower with an elongated, octagonal crowning was built on the northern side of the west facade by master Ulrich von Ensingen and his successor, Johannes Hltz. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest still standing extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. Johann Knauth, le sauveur de la cathdrale", "Les rcentes fouilles de Strasbourg (19471948), leurs rsultats pour la chronologie d'Argentorate", "Dcouverte majeure sous la cathdrale: un bassin antique serait la premire piscine baptismale de Strasbourg", "Des lgionnaires romains aux btisseurs de la cathdrale: la fouille de la place du Chteau Strasbourg", "1340 1371: Construction de la chapelle Sainte-Catherine et de la tour nord", "LA CATHDRALE DE STRASBOURG CATHDRALE FRANAISE? 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 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. If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to our channel. Homepage Strasbourg. [72] Rays of yellow glass radiate outwards like a sun, surrounded mosaic-like pieces of green and blue and by small oculi with red floral designs. 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. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. The Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially . The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. [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. [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. Built entirely in the Middle Ages, Strasbourg Cathedral was the tallest building in the world for more than 200 years. 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. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. The original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. [48] The bishopric of Strasbourg had been elevated to the rank of archbishopric a few months before, in June 1988. The cathedral was one of the earliest structures built with exterior flying buttresses. Thanks to 3D reconstructions of. [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. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. [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. [56], Lintel decoration Mary ascends to Heaven, Ecclesia and Synagoga among other statues from the cathedral in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, The south portal, or Portal of the Virgin, dates to about the 1220s, the same time as the Pillar of the Angels and the Astronomic clock in the interior. The belltower is 142 m high. Construction finished in 1439 with the erection of the emblematic North tower. [19], 1277 plan for west front (Plan Riss B restitution), Construction of Strasbourg Cathedral, by Thophile Schuler, 1850, Strasbourg Cathedral in the Middle Ages, painting by August von Bayer (19th century), The next major project was the rebuilding of the west front, or facade, in the Gothic style. After the spire of the St. Marys church in Stralsund burned down, it became the tallest building in the world, a record it would hold a total of 227 years between 1647 and 1874! The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. [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. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. 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. 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. History. Strasbourg Cathedral in France is famous for its western facade. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. At noon, a group of three mechanical kings would prostrate themselves before the infant Jesus, while the chimes of the clock sounded the hour. [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties. The work was completed in 1439. The length of the cathedral is about 100 metres, with the main aisle of 38 metres. 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. This embroidered cloth has a length of about 70 meters (230 feet) and a height of 50 centimeters (20 inches). Among the paintings, those worthy of mention are the "Assumption of the Virgin" and "Ascension of Christ", by Joseph Heim (1787-1865). 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. 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. 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. On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. 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. [10], 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. 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 rounded arches of tympanum over the doorway contain sculpture of the Virgin Mary dying, surrounded by the Twelve Apostles and being crowned by Christ. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. It's the most. Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches. Christianity was first imposed in 313 by the Edict of Constantine. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. The Strasbourg Cathedral is impossible to miss as it towers above the surrounding buildings and is located in the center of the city. 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. 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.. 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. [23] He completed the installation of the rose window, and above it twelve statues of the apostles. At the same time, the planned two spires on either side of the facade would reach an extraordinary height of 122 meters. A sculpture of a head, wearing the hat of an architect or magistrate, gazes from the balustrade at the pillar of angels. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. 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 nave and choir were composed of three vessels, each with two traverses. The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. 15 Fabulous Facts About Luxembourg Palace, A-Z Index - Art Timeline - Architecture Timeline - Contact - Terms - Privacy Policy - About Art Facts, 1. They were eventually returned and installed, along with numerous other works of art, by the specially created Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military. [81], The man on the balustrade (south transept). The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. 300 years actually, give or take a few decade! A bas-relief of an abstracted Gothic cathedral will emerge on the . The design called for a west front taller and wider than the nave behind it. The tympanum was destroyed in the French Revolution and replaced by a work by the sculptor Jean Vallastre[fr] (17651833). Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. 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 genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. It took hundreds of years to complete. 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. Take a moment to yourself in the cathedral; sit in a pew and enjoy the peace. The construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, we know today, thereafter started and it took quite a bit of time to finish. Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. Figures of two reclining women hold a cadran (clock face) between them which tells the minutes. [82] Other parts of the vaults are upheld by Atlantes, supports in the form of human figures. Drawing A, circa 1260. 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. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11. 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. [16], A Roman settlement called Argentoratum, twenty hectares in size, existed on the site since about 12 B.C., at a strategic point where bridges crossed the Rhine and two of its tributaries. 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. This unique architectural style of the cathedral makes it all the more beautiful. The tower is one of the first to rely substantially on craftsmanship, with the final appearance being one with a high degree of linearity captured in stone. 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. [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. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. One angel sounds the bell while a second turns over an hourglass. Its the capital of the Grand Est region of France in the historic region of Alsace. This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. Only those Christian denominations that have bishops have cathedrals. While Strasbourg, today, is a symbol of unity in Europe, for centuries, it was at the center of conflict. 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. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. 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. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. A cathedral is a large Christian church. [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. 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. 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. 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 current cathedral was completed in 1439 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988. 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. Many of his writings have not ever been translated. [18]. 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 . 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. Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. Its considered to be the epitome of French Gothic architecture, 5. Portal of Saint Lawrence (North transept). [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. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! 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. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. 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. Strasbourg Cathedralor the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg(French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburgor Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a cathedral. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. Download Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos. Top 10 Little Known Facts about Palais Rohan. Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Strasbourg France Facts 1: the population. 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. [45] During that same war, the stained glass was removed in 74 cases. 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. Strasbourg cathedral is an excellent example of gothic art, though the building also has Romanesque features dating back to before 1225 when there was a change of craftsmen. [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. Theres a reason why the church has an asymmetrical form, 12. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The level above displays a group of mechanical chariots, with allegorical figures representing the days of the week, which move daily to bring to the front the current day of the week. In October 1988, when the city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary (as the first official mention of Argentoratum dates from 12 BC), pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass in the cathedral. 9. 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 planned south tower was never built and as a result, with its characteristic asymmetrical form, the cathedral is now the premier landmark of Alsace. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. The face is flanked by two cylindrical towers with narrow lancet windows and pointed roofs. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. [17], The Romanesque chevet of the cathedral, seen in 1671, Romanesque pillars, vaults and squinches of the transept, In 1002, following the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, a battle broke out between his potential successors. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. Strasbourg Cathedral 104 Results Strasbourg Alsace France Petite France Ill Waterfront Sticker By artshop77 From $1.40 DECEMBER Canvas Print By Tritri Choupi $84.50 Strasbourg Cathedral - France Sticker By Moritz Schwble From $2.61 Strasbourg Alsace France Petite France street scene Sticker By artshop77 From $1.40 strasbourg cathedral Sticker [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". 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. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. It is really beautiful and imposing! The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. The current cathedral wasnt the first building on the site, 4. Walk through history on a guided walking tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral. Parcours "The Cathedral of Strasbourg" Streetcar line: Ligne A, D-Arrt : Langstross Grand'Rue. 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. It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. 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". It was the tallest building in the world for a period of 227 years, 6. The cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. After the annexation of the city by Louis XIV of France, on 30 September 1681, and a mass celebrated in the cathedral on 23 October 1681 in presence of the king and prince-bishop Franz Egon of Frstenberg,[33] the cathedral was returned to the Catholics and its inside redesigned according to the Catholic liturgy of the Counter-Reformation. . Because of this amazing trick, the spire was saved! Type of place: Religious site. They feature a Tree of Jesse (The Genealogy of Christ) and the judgement of Solomon (right window) and the Virgin Mary with John the Baptist and John the Evangelist) as well as King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and King David on the left. [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. The west front was also exceptional because it was flanked by two towers, the "harmonic" style which became common in Gothic cathedrals during the following century. 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. The first traverses were made in what was known as the Lorraine style, with two levels of quadripartite windows, traversed by a narrow passageway. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. 1. 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. If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there's no doubt that you'll fall in love with this city! Strasbourg and Cologne Cathedral together represent some of the earliest uses of architectural drawing. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows.