strasbourg cathedral facts

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. Top 10 Famous Romanesque Artworks - art-facts.com Like the city of Strasbourg, the cathedral connects German and French cultural influences, while the eastern structures, e.g. 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. [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. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. The walls are pierced with narrow slits, like a medieval fortress, giving it a very military appearance. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is the landmark of the city and known in the whole world. It is surrounded by a big place where tourists and inhabitants of Strasbourg like to take a walk. Strasbourg France Facts 1: the population. 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. Overview Download history Purchase history Invoices Boards SIGN OUT. The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. Visit the Cathedral of Strasbourg - Guide to prepare your visit Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. It is composed of an octagonal pillar surrounded by four engaged columns, which reach upwards to support the vaults, and four slender colonettes. The grand organ, located high on the wall of the north side of the nave, is recorded as existing in 1260. 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. Strasbourg's 11th-15th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame, damaged in 1870 and again in World War II, has been carefully restored. [52], The west front takes its distinctive appearance and sense of verticality from the dense network of lacelike pointed gables, pinnacles and tall, slender columns that cover it. It is really beautiful and imposing! Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. 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. Most of these windows date back to the 12th and 13th centuries! The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. An additional element of decoration is given by the small sculpted, painted, and gilded heads on the keystones of the vaults, where the ribs meet. 11 Things to do in Strasbourg France: History, Culture, and Food Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. Strasbourg Cathedral in France: overview, description, history and Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg | www.strassburg.eu They are traditionally hung in the arcades of the nave during Advent. [39][37] Following the war, Klotz took German nationality so he could continue his work. It was the tallest building in the world for a period of 227 years, 6. Apart from that, he is also standing just outside of the Cathedral near the southern transept of the church. The work was completed in 1439. 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 . The tracery and decoration of the interior are very much like of that exterior, with blind galleries and delicate parallel vertical lines, like the strings of a harp. 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. 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. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. de la Cathdrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France Phone +33 3 88 21 43 34 Web Visit website A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral rivals its more famous counterpart in Paris. 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 known dimensions of the building are as follows:[87]. [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 portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. The exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. Cathedrals can be found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox . 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 Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. 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. 5,626 Strasbourg Cathedral Stock Photos - Dreamstime The cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. 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. Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. 10. Together with the Cologne Cathedral, the faade of the Strasbourg Cathedral is considered to be one of the first buildings in history which made architectural drawings necessary to make it conceivable. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. Strasbourg.info - Strasbourg Cathedral Emperior Charles V visits the cathedral in 1552. The main architect and the man credited with most of the cathedrals design was Erwin von Steinbach (1244-1318), a German architect. This massive faade was decorated with thousands of figures giving it a unique and magnificent impression! These include an old bell made by Jean Rosier and Cesar Bonbon (1691). The visual effect of the faade is enhanced by its unusual darkish red stone. 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. Many of his writings have not ever been translated. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. 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. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. They feature a Tree of Jesse (The Genealogy of Christ) and the judgement of Solomon (right window) and the Virgin Mary with John the Baptist and John the Evangelist) as well as King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and King David on the left. What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. [36], A series of major reconstructions and restorations were carried out in the second of the century Gustave Klotz[fr] from 1837 to 1888. The arched tympanum over the doors of the central portal is crowded with sculpture, as are the voussures, the stone arches around the door. Today, about 275,000 people live there (with around 780,000 in the metropolitan area ). 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. Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. 13 Facts About Notre-Dame Cathedral | Mental Floss Strasbourg: Cathedral Guided Walking Tour | GetYourGuide One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 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. This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. The belltower is 142 m high. 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. They were eventually returned and installed, along with numerous other works of art, by the specially created Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military. In the late Middle Ages, the city of Strasbourg had managed to liberate itself from the domination of the bishop and to rise to the status of Free Imperial City. Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! - French Moments Stavelot Triptych. Cathedral Facts for Kids - Kiddle The Chapel of John the Baptist preserves its thick Romanesque walls and two Romanesque windows. 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 construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, we know today, thereafter started and it took quite a bit of time to finish. 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. The chapel is devoted to memorials to six canons who were entombed there between 1478 and 1681. At noon, a group of three mechanical kings would prostrate themselves before the infant Jesus, while the chimes of the clock sounded the hour. Thanks to 3D reconstructions of. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest still standing extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. 6 Reasons To Visit Strasbourg, France: Cradle Of Alsatian Culture - Forbes It measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. [68] Its base is topped by a gallery with pointed arches, beneath a level with large arched bays, two on each side, side, divided by clusters of columns. Strasbourg Cathedral Pictures, Images and Stock Photos [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. 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). It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. After the French defeat, Alsace was ceded to the new German Empire until 1918. The Top Must-Visit Attractions in Strasbourg - Culture Trip Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Other Strasbourg Cathedral, France [HD] - YouTube One can see 30 kilometers from the observation level, which provides a view of the Rhine banks from the Vosges all the way to the Black Forest. The chevet, or east end, probably also had a tower, and was flanked by two chapels. [71], The narthex of the cathedral and massive pillars supporting the tower, seen from the central nave, Inside of west front doors, with blind rose window and column-statue of St. Peter. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. Strasbourg Cathedral: How to Visit & What to See - TripSavvy 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). Behind him is the portal of Saint Laurent. Cathedral Strasbourg France Church Vintage Antique Photo 1910's 1920's [84], The stained glass window in the axis of the apse depicts the Virgin of Alscace. Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. [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. 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. 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. 1. 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. Most of the stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages, 14. 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? Stained-Glass Demons - Strasbourg, France - Atlas Obscura It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! The original statues were replaced by copies in the 20th century and are today kept in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. Full description. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11.