strasbourg cathedral facts

The cathedral was built in Gothic style. The cathedral was built in Gothic style. 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. The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. The platform - Strasbourg - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion Strasbourg Cathedral Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com 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. 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. Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. The South Transept contains the Pillar of Angels, a massive supporting pillar for the ceiling. 20 Interesting Facts About Strasbourg, France - kevmrc.com The ornate and colourful decoration of pinnacle, spires, and sculpture Sculpture also hangs beneath the organ, including a moving figure of Samson opening the jaws of a lion. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. (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. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. 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 original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! 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. Originally the lantern was topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the cathedral, but in 1488 it was replaced by a fleuron, or flower-shaped ornament. [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. [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. Stained-Glass Demons - Strasbourg, France - Atlas Obscura He was followed by a Michael von Freiburg (also known as Michael von Gmnd, or Michael Parler, from the Parler family of architects), recorded as magister operis in 13831387,[24] who was then succeeded by Claus von Lohre (13881399). 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. Strasbourg Cathedral, France - arc It was hoisted up to its present position in 1327. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. 5 out of 5 stars (7,356) $ 17.50. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. Strasbourg Cathedral Building, France - e-architect With its spire soaring 142m above the city, Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest building in the West until the nineteenth century. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. 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 . The cathedral of Notre-Dame - Strasbourg While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. 1. Strasbourg Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. The crossing of the transept and the choir is topped by the central cupola or dome, which is supported by four gigantic pillars, each wrapped in eight columns, which reach up to support the vaults under the cupola. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is the landmark of the city and known in the whole world. It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. 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 central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. The belltower is 142 m high. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. Parcours "The Cathedral of Strasbourg" Streetcar line: Ligne A, D-Arrt : Langstross Grand'Rue. 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. When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. Homepage Strasbourg. When Bishop Werner I supported the winning candidate, Henry II of Germany, one of his Henry's rivals, Hermann of Germany, raided Strasbourg and burned down the cathedral. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. [84], Canon Conrad de Bussnang praying to Virgin and Child. Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. In the south transept, the lancet and oculus windows in the two large bays on the east, built in 12201227, are modelled after those in the lower choir of Chartres Cathedral. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. [79], The Romanesque north transept has four traverses, which were the first in the cathedral to receive Gothic rib vaults. 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. [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. Above this is a globe, with painted figures of the Church and the Antichrist confronting each other. The church was repaired after each fire, and reconstructions and modifications made, but it retained its essentially Romanesque form, with thick walls, small windows and massive columns. Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. 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 belltower is 142 m high. Cathedrals can be found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox . The cathedral can be seen from over 30 kilometers (20 miles) away from all sides on a clear day. Let's find out the people who live in Strasbourg. 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. Strasbourg is the second most popular tourist city in France, after Paris; and there are three main attractions. 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]. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. 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. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. 10 Best Facts about Strasbourg Cathedral - Discover Walks Blog 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 construction, and later maintenance, of the cathedral is supervised by the Fondation de l'uvre Notre-Dame ("Foundation of Our Lady") since at least 1224. Other The other vaults in the crossing were also intended to be painted, but funding was insufficient. This project was completed in 1926, after the end of the war. 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 chair of Bishop Broughton, first Anglican Bishop of Sydney, Australia. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. The design is composed of a series of unfolded arches which rest on a submerged "Latin Cross" floor plan. Strasbourg, Grande-le and - UNESCO World Heritage Centre In 1956, the Council of Europe donated the famous choir window by Max Ingrand, the "Strasbourg Madonna" (see also Flag of Europe Biblical interpretation). Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. The Strasbourg Cathedral is impossible to miss as it towers above the surrounding buildings and is located in the center of the city. Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - SpottingHistory.com the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. 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. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. A cathedral is a large Christian church. Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? This was then carried out in the south transept. Add to Favorites . 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 At noon, a group of three mechanical kings would prostrate themselves before the infant Jesus, while the chimes of the clock sounded the hour. The transept of the cathedral was 55 meters long, the same length as the nave and choir. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). A Brief History of Strasbourg Cathedral - Culture Trip [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. The central art work of the North Transept is a large statue of Christ on the cross, over a sculptural landscape depicting the Mount of Olives, crowded with carved figures in dramatic poses. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). The Director of public works of Strasbourg, Grold, quickly took down and protected the statues of the portal, but 215 statues of the voussures over the portals were smashed with hammers, as were the angels atop the gables on the facade, and the crowns and sceptres of the statues of the kings. Cathedral Facts for Kids - Kiddle Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. 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. 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! Recent Boards {{ board.name }} {{ board.total_asset_count }} View all Boards View all Sets CREATE BOARD. Free shipping for many products! Take the time to marvel at the magnificent, amazing statuary inside and outside of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. two bells are from 1987 and 2006. The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. The most amazing feature of the cathedral is its west faade, 9. [35] Fragments can be seen in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! CDV Photo Cathedral Strasbourg France E Brion | eBay 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. 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. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. 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. The cathedral - Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Rgion 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! One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. 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. 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]. [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.