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 of Strasbourg Cathedral

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 at Strasbourg Cathedral

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 on Strasbourg Cathedral

Site Information
Names:	Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg · Strasbourg Cathedral
Categories:	cathedrals
Styles:	Gothic
Dedication:	Virgin Mary
Dates:	1284
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	48.582044° N, 7.751412° E
Address:	Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France Strasbourg, France
Hours:	Cathedral: Mon-Sat 7-11:30am and 12:40-7pm; Sun 12:45-6pm. Tower: Apr-Sept daily 9am-5:30pm; Oct-Mar daily 10am-5:15pm
Lodging:	View hotels near Strasbourg Cathedral

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. The Cathedral of Strasbourg - Strasbourg.com
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg, France - The Gothic Cathedral Home Page
3. Strasbourg Cathedral - Dave of Dave's Home Page briefly describes a 2003 trip to Strasbourg and includes photos of the cathedral.
4. The Strasbourgh Cathedral Photo - A single, really nice closeup photo of the cathedral's facade.

More Information

• Photos of Strasbourg Cathedral - here on Sacred Destinations