Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. Other articles where Cathedral of Notre-Dame is discussed: Strasbourg: The contemporary city: Strasbourg's 11th-15th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame, damaged in 1870 and again in World War II, has been carefully restored. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. Christianity was first imposed in 313 by the Edict of Constantine. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. The faade is supported and divided vertically by four narrow buttresses, each decorated with sculpture. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. 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 original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). The tympanum was destroyed in the French Revolution and replaced by a work by the sculptor Jean Vallastre[fr] (17651833). [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 very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. The columns are lavishly decorated with sculpted foliage. Work on the church was frequently interrupted by wars and political crises. 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. While previous faades were certainly drawn prior to construction, Strasbourg has one of the earliest faades whose construction is inconceivable without prior drawing. [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. The arched tympanum over the doors of the central portal is crowded with sculpture, as are the voussures, the stone arches around the door. [17], The first cathedral built on the present site was erected by the bishop Saint Arbogast in about 550575. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. The statues in the portals are all standing upon realistically carved capitals decorated with the signs of the zodiac. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Address Pl. 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. All the parts of the clock together are 18m (59ft) high. 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. The walls of the tower have tall lancet openings, which show the bells and bring light into the interior, and are decorated on the exterior with interlocking pointed gables. 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. It lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the German city of Kehl . [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. While Strasbourg, today, is a symbol of unity in Europe, for centuries, it was at the center of conflict. The north tower was the world's tallest building from 1647 (when the taller spire of St. Mary's Church, Stralsund burnt down) until 1874 (when the tower of St. Nikolai's Church in Hamburg was completed). [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties. This massive faade was decorated with thousands of figures giving it a unique and magnificent impression! 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 work was completed in 1439. [67], The Klotz designed crossing dome over the transept, The crossing dome being built, 1878 or 1879, Romanesque vaults beneath the Klotz crossing dome. A Romanesque portal opens to the cloister outside. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. 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 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 [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. Add to Favorites . It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. [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. Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. In 1988, the Strasbourg Cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the historic centre of the city (called the "Grande le") because of its outstanding Gothic architecture. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. They were constructed around its nave in the 12th century to lend support to the thin walls, after the need. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. 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. 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. 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. 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 . [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. CATHDRALE ALLEMANDE? [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 construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, we know today, thereafter started and it took quite a bit of time to finish. Thanks to 3D reconstructions of. 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. It is still in place.[86]. It was built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s, from designs by Robert de Cotte . 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. How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? Every day at solar noon, Christ and the Apostles go on a procession and the rooster is integrated into the clock crows thrice. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. This project was completed in 1926, after the end of the war. 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. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. 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. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. 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. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Strasbourg Cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the must-sees when visiting Strasbourg. [51], The rose window and gallery of the Apostles, The west front or faade, the main entrance of the cathedral, is a relatively late addition, constructed between 1277 and 1490. [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. Church of St Peter the Young. 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. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1682, the choir screen (built in 1252) was broken out to expand the choir towards the nave. It is composed of an octagonal pillar surrounded by four engaged columns, which reach upwards to support the vaults, and four slender colonettes. Strasbourg Cathedral (official French: Notre-Dame de Strasbourg ,German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg, Our Lady of Strasbourg) is the Cathedral in Strasbourg. However, between 1250 and 1255 they decided to become more ambitious, and used what was called the "Parisian style"; this created three levels with a total height of 32 meters from the floor to the vaults. 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. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. 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. Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. It was completed in 1399 and highlight of the cathedral was its 142-metre spire. [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. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. [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. Archaeological excavations below and around the cathedral have been conducted in 1896-1897, 1907, 1923-1924, 1947-1948, between 1966 and 1972, and finally between 2012 and 2014.. [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. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). On the last level are the Apostles, passing in front of Christ. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. 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. A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. It is surrounded by a big place where tourists and inhabitants of Strasbourg like to take a walk. Schedule: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 to 5:45 p.m. Sundays and feast days: 2 to 5:15 p.m. May be closed to visiting during services. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. The cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. [38], Seven church bells were removed and melted down to made into cannon, and gold and other precious objects in the interior confiscated and taken away, and in November 1793 the cathedral was formally proclaimed a "Temple of Reason. The most amazing feature of the cathedral is its west faade, 9. 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. The transept of the cathedral was 55 meters long, the same length as the nave and choir. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. The chevet, or east end, probably also had a tower, and was flanked by two chapels. [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. 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. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Ad vertisement from shop HayleesSilver. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. The upper windows at Strasbourg fill the entire space between the triforium and the vaults. 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. Some of the windows were assembled with glass from different periods: in the windows devoted to the Emperors Frederick II and Henry II of Bamberg, the heads were made between 1250 and 1275, but in 1522 were remounted onto the bodies of other kings from earlier windows made in about 1180. 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. It was the tallest building in the world for a period of 227 years, 6. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. Free shipping for many products! The Bayeux Tapestry is without a doubt the most fascinating Romanesque artwork that was ever produced. A cathedral is a large Christian church. 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. [83] The present clock was built by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgu between 1837 and 1842.[83]. 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. It is decorated with four vertical groups of statue-columns, depicting scenes from Christ and the Last Judgement, as well as four angels carrying the instruments of the Passion, and above that, four more angels sounding trumpets. 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. Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. [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. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. Download Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos. Only the names remain carved on the walls. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. 00 4006 Langhausorgel im Strassburger Mnster.jpg 1,467 2,200; 3.7 MB 14-02-07-Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg-RalfR-05.jpg 2,848 4,288; 9.23 MB 14-02-07-Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg-RalfR-11.jpg 2,848 4,288; 8.14 MB It also contains the tomb of Conrad de Bussnang, a prominent member of the chapter, whose image is portrayed in sculpture praying before the Virgin and child. 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. 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. [18]. Cathedral facts for kids. Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. 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. Type of place: Religious site. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. The work of Professor Robert O. Bork of the University of Iowa suggests that the design of the Strasbourg faade, while seeming almost random in its complexity, can be constructed using a series of rotated octagons. Constructed of pink sandstone from the Vosges Mountains, it took nearly 3 centuries of work to complete this "gigantic and delicate marvel", as Victor Hugo called it. Construction of the new cathedral began on the foundations of the preceding structures. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. 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 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 Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially . 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. 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 Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. 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. [8], A set of "Emperor" windows, (Otto I, Otto II, Otto III, Conrad II, Henry III), Emperors Philip of Swabia, Henry IV, Henry V, Frederick II, Henry II of Bamberg, with head remounted on earlier body (1522), The five lower bays on the north side contain some of the oldest stained glass of the cathedral, installed in the old Romanesque cathedral in about 1180. The meeting points between the columns and the vault ribs is decorated with vegetal sculpture. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. History. Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. [84], Canon Conrad de Bussnang praying to Virgin and Child.
