Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. The cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany. It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. It is also a very early part of the cathedral, built shortly after 1150, with nine crossings and three naves of slightly different sizes, covered by Romanesque groin vaults. [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. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg or Strasbourg Cathedral is the 6th tallest church in the world, built entirely in the medieval period. This project was completed in 1926, after the end of the war. Church of St Peter the Young. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK 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 original Romanesque crypt was kept and expanded westwards. [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. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties. Cathedral facts for kids. These windows date to about 1345. It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! 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). The cathedral was built in Gothic style. With its spire soaring 142m above the city, Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest building in the West until the nineteenth century. Lets take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Strasbourg Cathedral. The other vaults in the crossing were also intended to be painted, but funding was insufficient. On the last level are the Apostles, passing in front of Christ. 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. This clock functioned until 1788, and can be seen today in the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts. 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. 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. Select from premium Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral of the highest quality. [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. 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. One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. Here are the best facts about Strasbourg Cathedral 1. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. 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. It also dates from the 15th century. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). In 2010, the metropolitan area of Strasbourg is inhabited by 759,868 people. [83], Animated characters launch into movement at different hours of the day. The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. 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. The visual effect of the faade is enhanced by its unusual darkish red stone. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. 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. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. The construction of the cathedral, which had started in the year 1015 and had been relaunched in 1190, was finished in 1439.[6]. 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. [23] He completed the installation of the rose window, and above it twelve statues of the apostles. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, churches in France were in great danger. [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. [70], The chevet, at the northeast end of the cathedral, close to the transept, has vestiges that go back to the Romanesque cathedral, particularly at the lower levels. This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. Overview Download history Purchase history Invoices Boards SIGN OUT. Cathedral. 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. 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 cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . 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. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. On the south side, the upper windows depict soldiers, popes, bishops, and other masculine figures. The first traverses were made in what was known as the Lorraine style, with two levels of quadripartite windows, traversed by a narrow passageway. One of the most remarkable facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that even though its considered to be the epitome of a church in the Gothic architectural style, the first phase consisted of Romanesque buildings. [69] The medieval crossing dome's aspect was altered several times over the centuries. 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. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. 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. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg , also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. [81], The man on the balustrade (south transept). 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. 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. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. 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). They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour. This cathedral was then again replaced by a more prominent structure which consisted of three naves and three apses, and it was on the ruins of this Carolingian cathedral that the original modern-day cathedral was constructed in 1015. 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! It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. 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. 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. Since it was built, the platform has been a popular tourist attraction, and, until recently, a strategic fire lookout. There are two altars fixed to west pillars of the crossing, both from the 16th century; one devoted to Saint Pancras of Rome and the other to Saint Maurice. [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. The sculpture over the central tympanum and over the south portal of the transept was saved because it was covered with wooden planks with the revolutionary motto "Libert-Egalit-Fraternit,"[36], In April 1794, the Enrags started planning to tear the spire down, on the grounds that it hurt the principle of equality. 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. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. There are three stairways down to the crypt, the oldest, from the apse, dates to about 1150. 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. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. 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. In 1918 Alsace and Strasbourg and Alscace were once again attached to France. The transept of the cathedral was 55 meters long, the same length as the nave and choir. [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. 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. Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. They were commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu for the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, and were made to accompany a painting there, "The Vow of Louis XIII". 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! 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 . [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. Walk through history on a guided walking tour of the Strasbourg Cathedral. It was built next to Strasbourg Cathedral in the 1730s, from designs by Robert de Cotte . The crossing dome is placed over the meeting point of the transept and the choir, and, like the bell tower, has eight sides. 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 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. 1. [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 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. [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. Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. 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. And finally, here's my list of the top 4 packing essentials you shouldn't head to the Strasbourg Cathedral without. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. In October 1988, when the city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary (as the first official mention of Argentoratum dates from 12 BC), pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass in the cathedral. "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. One angel sounds the bell while a second turns over an hourglass. Type of place: Religious site. Walk up 66 meters to marvel at the view of Strasbourg from the top of the clock. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. The meeting points between the columns and the vault ribs is decorated with vegetal sculpture. 15 Fabulous Facts About Luxembourg Palace, A-Z Index - Art Timeline - Architecture Timeline - Contact - Terms - Privacy Policy - About Art Facts, 1. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. the choir and south portal, still have very Romanesque features, with more emphasis placed on walls than on windows. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. The Bayeux Tapestry is without a doubt the most fascinating Romanesque artwork that was ever produced. It was completed in 1399 and highlight of the cathedral was its 142-metre spire. While Strasbourg, today, is a symbol of unity in Europe, for centuries, it was at the center of conflict. [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. 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. The Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, or Museum of the Work of Notre-Dame, is located in a medieval and Renaissance building not far from the cathedral, and displays a collection of some of the most delicate original works of sculpture and art from Cathedral, moved there to protect them from environmental damage. The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. Each has a particular theme of decoration; the left portal is dedicated to the infancy of Christ, the central portal to redemption, and the right portal to the Last Judgement. [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 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]. It is still in place.[86]. The belltower is 142 m high. If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to our channel. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. Different characters, representing the ages of life (from a child to an old man) parade in front of Death. 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. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. 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.