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! These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. This mechanism displays the phases of the moon. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. pictures from Axis Mundi Design. The pilasters between the stairways are older, from 1015. This project was completed in 1926, after the end of the war. A pointed arch frames the window, and a row of blind arches at the lower level completes the decoration. As with the other portals of the cathedral, most of the statues now to be seen in situ are copies, the originals having been moved to the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame.[32]. By car Served by the A4 and the A35. From 1647 until 1874 it was the world's tallest building and today it is still the highest structure still standing that was built in the middle ages. The supporting buttresses on either side also have very expressive sculpture representing the Virgin Mary and the three Magi on one side, and a group of Saints on the other, both sheltered beneath lacelike flamboyant sculpture and pinnacles. [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]. In 1877, architect Gustave Klotz reconstituted the windows in their original arrangement. [79]. If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there's no doubt that you'll fall in love with this city! [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. Take a moment to yourself in the cathedral; sit in a pew and enjoy the peace. [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. In 2010, the metropolitan area of Strasbourg is inhabited by 759,868 people. [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. A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. The construction of this church is a mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture. 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. The Cathedral stands on the exact site of a roman temple built on a little hill above the muddy ground. The more recent one is under the transept, from about 1150, and the older one, under the apse, was built in about 1110 to 1120. [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. 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. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11. [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. [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. This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. A gallery of statues of the Apostles, each in his own arch, is placed above the rose window. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. 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. [67] It is surrounded and supported by four more slender towers containing circular stairways. It is still in place.[86]. It dates to the end of 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. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. I love my Sony A6000, which is light, compact and . 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. 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? It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. 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. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. 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. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. 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. (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. With a height of 18 meters (59 feet), its one of the largest astrological clocks of its kind in the world! On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. [85], Statue of Virgin and a processional banner, in the Chapel of St. Andrew, The Chapel of Saint Andrew is on the southeast side, to the right of the apse. In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. 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. The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! Bishop Heinrich von Hasenburg was the leading figure behind the start of the construction of the church and he had one goal, to make it more amazing than the newly finished cathedral of Basel. 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. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. 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. 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. This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. 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. It is really beautiful and imposing! Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches. 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. 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. 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. De bouw van het uit roze zandsteen opgetrokken gebouw begon in 1176 en werd na 263 jaar in 1439 afgerond strasbourg cathedral stock pictures, royalty . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Cathedral Strasbourg France Church Vintage Antique Photo 1910's 1920's 1930's at the best online prices at eBay! It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. 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. [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. It has an asymmetrical facade (mainly 13th century) with fine . Only the names remain carved on the walls. It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! 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. 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 objects and works from the cathedral, including the mechanism of the original astronomical clock, are found in the Muse des arts dcoratifs de Strasbourg. In 1524, the city council assigned the cathedral to the Protestant faith, while the building suffered some damage from iconoclastic assaults. [84], Canon Conrad de Bussnang praying to Virgin and Child. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. 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 Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially . Firstly the cathedral, the second most visited French cathedral after Notre Dame de Paris; secondly the picture-book historic quarter of Petite France, with its half-timbered medieval houses and its quays overlooking branches of the river Ill (that is the river " ill "); and thirdly . [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. The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. [8], The nave is dominated by the two rows of massive pillars. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. .The lower part of the massive base of the clock has statues of Apollo and the Goddess Diana presenting a circular calendar of the liturgical year, whose revolving face with a globe points to the dates of major religious festivals and events. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. The four bells in the octagon tower are rung on the hour. On a clear day, it can be seen all the way from the Vosges Mountains, a mountain range over 30 kilometers to the southeast of the city, and the Black Forest, a famous forest an equal distance to the east! A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. The choir and the north transept of the cathedral were completed in a Romanesque style starting in 1176, and it wasnt until the year 1225 that the switch was made to the Gothic style. 1439-1939", "Straburger Mnster, Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg", "Straburger Mnster Mnster Unserer Lieben Frau", Notre Dame Cathedral (original plans and contemporary photographs), Historical Sketch of the Cathedral of Strasbourg, Diocese of GrenobleVienne-les-Allobroges, Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Sainte-Croix-de-Paris, Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Paris, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saint Vladimir the Great of Paris, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strasbourg_Cathedral&oldid=1140780300, 15th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in France, Roman Catholic churches completed in 1439, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Articles with German-language sources (de), Articles needing cleanup from October 2021, Cleanup tagged articles with a reason field from October 2021, Wikipedia pages needing cleanup from October 2021, Pages using embedded infobox templates with the title parameter, Articles with MusicBrainz place identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, First Emperor Window: HENRICUS REX (presumably, Fourth Emperor Window: KAROLUS D[ic]C[tu]S MARTEL PATER BIPPINI (, Fifth Emperor Window: LOTHARIUS ROMANORUM IMPERATOR (. History. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. 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. It was built on the site of a chapel from the Merovingian dynasty - the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the fifth to the eighth centuries. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. Strasbourg is the second most popular tourist city in France, after Paris; and there are three main attractions. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. It was completed in 1399 and highlight of the cathedral was its 142-metre spire. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. [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. It lies on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the German city of Kehl . Strasbourg is, indeed, in France. In 1518, a 'dancing plague' affected around 400 people in Strasbourg, Alsace (Now a city of France . [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. It was built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s, from designs by Robert de Cotte . Cathedral. Described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel",[7] and by Goethe as a "sublimely towering, wide-spreading tree of God",[2] the cathedral is visible far across the plains of Alsace and can be seen from as far off as the Vosges Mountains or the Black Forest on the other side of the Rhine. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. [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. 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. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. 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. Completed in 1439, it looms majestically over the Place de la Cathdrale, a major city square. Homepage Strasbourg. 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. Free shipping for many products! The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. 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. 1. You will surely enjoy exploring the vibrant . On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties.