Strasbourg Cathedral
Side view of Strasbourg Cathedral. Photo
Jonathan Martz.
The impressive, uneven facade of Strasbourg Cathedral. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Main portal of the west facade, filled with Gothic sculptures. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
Vice being crushed by virtue on the west facade. Photo
Nicholas Thompson.
Interior view. Photo
pen9.
Location map and aerial view of Strasbourg Cathedral. For a larger interactive view, see our France Map.
Strasbourg Cathedral (officially the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) is quite a sight to behold. French poet and playwright Paul Claudel called the Gothic edifice a "pinky-red angel hovering over the city." Goethe declared it to be "composed of a thousand harmonizing details" and "like the most sublime, wide-spreading tree of God, proclaiming the glory of the Lord."
History
The site on which Strasbourg Cathedral stands was originally occupied by a Roman temple, then a Romanesque church that was built in 1015 and later destroyed by fire.
The present cathedral was completed in 1284, but the spire was not standing until 1439.
What to See
Unique in having no twin, the spire of Strasbourg cathedral was the tallest in Christendom for four centuries. Inside, several stained-glass windows were put into place between the 12th and 14th centuries, and these are especially beautiful as the sun shines into the cathedral.
The astronomical clock, a duplicate of the original, puts on a performance daily at 12:30 that is called the "twelve apostles parade." Be sure to watch for pickpockets while you watch the apostles.
A trip of 300 steps up the cathedral platform and provides a stunning panoramic view of Strasbourg.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Strasbourg Cathedral; Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg |
| Location: | Strasbourg, Alsace, France |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | Virgin Mary |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Date: | 1284 |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France |
| Coordinates: | 48.582044° N, 7.751412° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Official tours: | 03-88-43-60-40 |
Article Sources
- The Cathedral of Strasbourg - Strasbourg.com
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - The Gothic Cathedral Home Page
- Strasbourg Cathedral - Dave of Dave's Home Page briefly describes a 2003 trip to Strasbourg and includes photos of the cathedral.
- The Strasbourgh Cathedral Photo - A single, really nice closeup photo of the cathedral's facade.
Last updated on December 20, 2010.
