[83], The central tower is composed of three levels. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. 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. They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. [69] The medieval crossing dome's aspect was altered several times over the centuries. [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. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. [25] The three men completed the bell tower over the central part of the faade, in a design that moved away from Gerlach von Steinbach's initial idea of a central tower and whose precise authorship is unknown. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. All the parts of the clock together are 18m (59ft) high. The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. The transept of the cathedral was 55 meters long, the same length as the nave and choir. Above this are blind arcades, an ornate cornice, and then a pointed roof with a pair of dormer or skylight windows, a small window above a large one, on each side, which brought light to the choir below. 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]. Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. [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. HayleesSilver From shop HayleesSilver. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. 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 central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. The statues in the portals are all standing upon realistically carved capitals decorated with the signs of the zodiac. This faade has been credited to Erwin von Steinback and is considered to be an absolute masterpiece of the Gothic Era. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CDV Photo Cathedral Strasbourg France E Brion at the best online prices at eBay! The belltower is 142 m high. [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 is the seat of a Bishop. In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. CATHDRALE ALLEMANDE? It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. 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. This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. The meeting points between the columns and the vault ribs is decorated with vegetal sculpture. One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. Completed in 1439, it looms majestically over the Place de la Cathdrale, a major city square. 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. 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 . 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.. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. Apart from that, he is also standing just outside of the Cathedral near the southern transept of the church. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. In the late Middle Ages, the city of Strasbourg had managed to liberate itself from the domination of the bishop and to rise to the status of Free Imperial City. The upper windows at Strasbourg fill the entire space between the triforium and the vaults. Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? 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. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. 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]. [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. 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). In 1682, the choir screen (built in 1252) was broken out to expand the choir towards the nave. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). 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. Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. 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. 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 One angel sounds the bell while a second turns over an hourglass. 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. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. [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. 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. It dates to the end of the 15th century. 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. Cathedral. Free shipping for many products! [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. [67], The Klotz designed crossing dome over the transept, The crossing dome being built, 1878 or 1879, Romanesque vaults beneath the Klotz crossing dome. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK The original statues were replaced by copies in the 20th century and are today kept in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. When the Romans were driven out, the original structure was replaced by a temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. 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. [84], The stained glass window in the axis of the apse depicts the Virgin of Alscace. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. Add to Favorites . 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. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. 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. Select from premium Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral of the highest quality. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. The faade is supported and divided vertically by four narrow buttresses, each decorated with sculpture. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. The cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is the landmark of the city and known in the whole world. 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. These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. Strasbourg is the seat Council of Europe, of the European Court of Human Rights and of the European Parliament. 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. [81], The man on the balustrade (south transept). 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. The first astronomical clock was installed in the cathedral from 135254 until 1500. 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.