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 . At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. It took hundreds of years to complete. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. 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]. Emperior Charles V visits the cathedral in 1552. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. They were constructed around its nave in the 12th century to lend support to the thin walls, after the need. The current cathedral wasnt the first building on the site, 4. #1 A Good Camera - No doubt you're going to be snapping like crazy with these amazing Cathedral views and need to ensure you have a good camera to do this city justice. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. 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. Other [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. Walk through history on a guided walking tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral. [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. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, churches in France were in great danger. 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. (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. 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. Strasbourg | History, Geography, & Points of Interest | Britannica 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 . 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. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg [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. The belltower is 142 m high. What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. 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. Goethe and the Strasbourg Cathedral - My French Quest 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. As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. 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. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. Free shipping for many products! Visit Strasbourg, the European capital - Visit Alsace The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. 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 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. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . The length of the cathedral is about 100 metres, with the main aisle of 38 metres. Strasbourg Cathedral: visitor information and guide - France This Way [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 wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. Klotz's dome was in turn heavily damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and restored between 1988 and 1992. 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. It is surrounded by a big place where tourists and inhabitants of Strasbourg like to take a walk. They are covered with Romanesque groin vaults, formed by the intersection of rounded barrel vaults, and supported by massive cruciform pillars and cylindrical columns with palm leaf decoration on their capitals. The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. The cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. 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. They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. The upper windows at Strasbourg fill the entire space between the triforium and the vaults. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. 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. [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 chevet, or east end, probably also had a tower, and was flanked by two chapels. Its the capital of the Grand Est region of France in the historic region of Alsace. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. A trick saved the cathedrals spire during the French Revolution, 13. The Gothic pillars of the new section were copied exactly from those of the Basilica of Saint Denis. Kids Encyclopedia Facts. The initial property, inscribed in 1988 on the World Heritage List, was formed by the Grande-le, the historic centre of Strasbourg, structured around the cathedral. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. 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 mesmerizing Strasbourg Cathedral - 1000 years of history & legends 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! By car Served by the A4 and the A35. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Let's find out the people who live in Strasbourg. 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. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. 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 design called for a west front taller and wider than the nave behind it. While Strasbourg, today, is a symbol of unity in Europe, for centuries, it was at the center of conflict. [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. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. The clock shows much more than the official time; it also indicates solar time, the day of the week (each represented by a god of mythology), the month, the year, the sign of the zodiac, the phase of the moon and the position of several planets. It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. [75], The dog of the preacher Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg, on the steps, mourning his master, The pulpit, attached to the fourth pillar of the north side of the nave, was sculpted in 1485 following a design by Hans Hammer. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. The new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. 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. A pointed arch frames the window, and a row of blind arches at the lower level completes the decoration. [50], The restoration of the tower was completed in 2006, and in 2014 a new campaign of restoration was begun on the south transept. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. The Strasbourg Cathedral in France is known for its unique spire, because of it the cathedral was the highest monument in the world for more than two centuries! Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - SpottingHistory.com 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 platform - Strasbourg - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion 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. 26 November the Church (majestic and crowned), King Solomon (above two other small statues of children evoking his famous judgement), and the Synagogue (eyes blindfolded, a sign of the refusal of true faith by the Jewish religion). Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and The cathedral was built in Gothic style. They were purchased by the Chapter of Strasbourg Cathedral in 1739, and were an example of the importation of the French style of that period into Alsace. The walls are pierced with narrow slits, like a medieval fortress, giving it a very military appearance. 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. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. The transept of the cathedral was 55 meters long, the same length as the nave and choir. Built entirely in the Middle Ages, Strasbourg Cathedral was the tallest building in the world for more than 200 years. The Bishop appealed to the new Emperor, who granted one eighth of his revenues in the province toward the construction of a new Cathedral. Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. Strasbourg is, indeed, in France. [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. 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. At noon, a group of three mechanical kings would prostrate themselves before the infant Jesus, while the chimes of the clock sounded the hour. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. The grand organ, located high on the wall of the north side of the nave, is recorded as existing in 1260. 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! These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The reddish-brown sandstone from the Vosges mountains gives the cathedral its distinctive colour.[8]. 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. 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. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. It is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral, constructed in about 1170 and then rebuilt in Gothic style in 1230, with the same height as the adjoining nave. Add to Favorites . The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). Recht, Roland; Foessel, Georges; Klein, Jean-Pierre: Learn how and when to remove this template message, Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market, List of tallest structures built before the 20th century, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Wissembourg, "Architecture et sculpture gothiques: cathdrale de Strasbourg (1)", "Prodige du gigantesque et du dlicat (translation)", "Chronologie des fouilles archologiques", "17. Construction of the new cathedral began on the foundations of the preceding structures. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Strasbourg Cathedral Facts for Kids - Kiddle The pointed gable over the central portal, decorated with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and child, reaches up into the space in front of the rose window. In 1518, a 'dancing plague' affected around 400 people in Strasbourg, Alsace (Now a city of France . Strasbourg Cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world and one of the must-sees when visiting Strasbourg. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. The painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. Strasbourg Cathedral - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. The other vaults in the crossing were also intended to be painted, but funding was insufficient. It is the least decorated side of the cathedral. The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. 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. 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. 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. 1. [83], The apse, with the Virgin of Alsace window (1956), Crowning of Mary, by Eduard Steinle in the vault of the apse, The apse of the cathedral, the hemispherical vault behind the altar on the northeast end, features Romanesque and Gothic architecture overlaid with 19th-century Neo-Romanesque decoration, The paintings on the half-dome and walls were made by douard Steinl in 187779, in the style of a Byzantine mosaic. Here are the best facts about Strasbourg Cathedral 1. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral: How to Visit & What to See - TripSavvy Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide [56], The mid-level of the transept over the portal, built in about 1230, has lancet windows and a statue of Virgin, flanked by Saint Peter and Saint Lawrence. The pulpit itself, in the form of a very ornate corbeille or basket, is entirely covered with colonettes, gables, pinnacles, and niches filled with sculpture, including images of Christ on the cross, a crowned Virgin Mary, Apostles, the Crucifixion, and well as Kings and doctors of the Church. 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. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. The Silbermann organ had three keyboards, thirty-nine jeux, or effects and two thousand, two hundred forty-two pipes. The European capital and the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg exudes youthfulness and energy. The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. A Brief History of Strasbourg Cathedral - Culture Trip [46] and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. On the last level are the Apostles, passing in front of Christ. [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. 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.. Strasbourg Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com In 1956, the Council of Europe donated the famous choir window by Max Ingrand, the "Strasbourg Madonna" (see also Flag of Europe Biblical interpretation). One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. The face is flanked by two cylindrical towers with narrow lancet windows and pointed roofs. 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? A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. [67] It is surrounded and supported by four more slender towers containing circular stairways. The visual effect of the faade is enhanced by its unusual darkish red stone. It was built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s, from designs by Robert de Cotte . The observation deck is located at a height of 66 meters (217 feet) and offers some of the most amazing views of the wonderful city of Strasbourg and its surroundings! A monument has been erected in his honor in a town nearby called Steinbach which is part of the town of Baden-Baden, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the northeast of Strasbourg. Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. 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. 10 Best Facts about Strasbourg Cathedral - Discover Walks Blog Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. Only those Christian denominations that have bishops have cathedrals. 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 columns are purely decorative, and are so thin they are compared to the strings of a harp. 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. Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. [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. [18], The new church was exceptionally large, just ten meters shorter than the present cathedral, and just ten meters narrower on its west front. Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. [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. Among the paintings, those worthy of mention are the "Assumption of the Virgin" and "Ascension of Christ", by Joseph Heim (1787-1865). The next major step toward Gothic took place with the raising of the vaults of the south transept, creating thinner walls and more space for high windows. STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL .925 Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Alsace France Europe Landmark Travel Souvenir New tf35 ad vertisement by HayleesSilver. 5 out of 5 stars (7,356) $ 17.50. 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 construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. It is the tallest building in the city and has been a World Heritage Site since 1988. The sacristy occupies the upper level over the chapel. Stavelot Triptych. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. 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. It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. The guard's house, located in the spot planned for the second spire, reflects a rich history going back to the 16th century. These windows date to about 1345. Strasbourg Cathedral in France is famous for its western facade.
Alton Nh Police Log,
Julius Boros Golf Clubs,
North Tyneside Hospital Departments,
What Happens If I Don't Pay Municipal Services Bureau,
Articles S
strasbourg cathedral facts