strasbourg cathedral facts

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. [10], 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 larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. It rises in three levels; the portals on the ground level; the level of the rose window above them, and the top level, with a balustrade. [71], Two chapels, devoted to Saint Andrew and Saint John the Baptist, were attached to the two sides of the apse. [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. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Find Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. 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. [9] The Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, a municipal museum located in the Foundation's buildings, displays original works of art from the cathedral, such as sculptures and stained-glass, but also the surviving original medieval buildings plans. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. It was the tallest building in the world for a period of 227 years, 6. Construction of the original, on the exact site of a Roman temple, was initiated in 1015 but later destroyed by a fire. One of the oldest gothic cathedrals in France and the world, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Most of the stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages, 14. 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. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. 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. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. It looks over the former cloister of the canons of the cathedral. In 2010, the metropolitan area of Strasbourg is inhabited by 759,868 people. Strasbourg is the seat Council of Europe, of the European Court of Human Rights and of the European Parliament. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. Take a moment to yourself in the cathedral; sit in a pew and enjoy the peace. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. 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. The first overhead vault before the cupola features a 19th-century painting of the Last Judgement by Charles Auguste Steinheil, a collaborator of Eugne Viollet-le-Duc and other notable cathedral-restorers. In 1956, the Council of Europe donated the famous choir window by Max Ingrand, the "Strasbourg Madonna" (see also Flag of Europe Biblical interpretation). 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. 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. This is, however, nothing compared to the height of the spire, which reaches a total height of 142 meters (466 feet) above the ground. 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. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. A door opens from the chapel to an adjoining cloister behind the cathedral. In 1682, the choir screen (built in 1252) was broken out to expand the choir towards the nave. I love my Sony A6000, which is light, compact and . Today, the city is one of the most important cities in Europe as its home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament. Church of St Peter the Young. 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. A gallery of statues of the Apostles, each in his own arch, is placed above the rose window. [21] From 1341 until 1372 (or according to other sources: 13391371), the post of chief architect was held by a Master Gerlach (not to be confused with Erwin's other son, Gerlach von Steinbach, architect of the Niederhaslach Church),[22] who has been identified as Erwin's grandson Johannes Gerlach von Steinbach. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. [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. [18], The next major step was the reconstruction of the nave into the Gothic style, which took place between 1240 and 1274. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. The reason is simply that the intention was to eventually build the south tower, but this never happened, resulting in the buildings distinctive form today. Theres a reason why the church has an asymmetrical form, 12. These windows date to about 1345. It measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Address Pl. 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 statue of the "Synagogue" is blindfolded, since Jews did not recognise the divinity of Christ. Above this is a flamboyant Gothic balustrade with an original sundial from about 1493, and above that are two small rose windows from the same period. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. [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. 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. [44] On 1 March 1941, General Leclerc made the "Oath of Kufra" (serment de Koufra), stating he would "rest the weapons only when our beautiful colours fly again on Strasbourg's cathedral". Strasbourg Cathedral is the symbol of the city. [51], The rose window and gallery of the Apostles, The west front or faade, the main entrance of the cathedral, is a relatively late addition, constructed between 1277 and 1490. [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. It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. It is the seat of a Bishop. Today, about 275,000 people live there (with around 780,000 in the metropolitan area ). It took hundreds of years to complete. 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 . Type of place: Religious site. The construction of this church is a mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture. What makes this monument extraordinarily impressive are the steeple with . The sculptor Jacques Zimmer added the heads of cherubs made of bronze. Other moving figures include a trumpet player carrying a banner and a pretzel vendor being offered flour, water, and salt by the caryatides on the console. 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. 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. The chair of Bishop Broughton, first Anglican Bishop of Sydney, Australia. 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 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 exterior height of the central nave reaches an astounding 40 meters (130 feet) as well. 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]. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. 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? It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". 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! Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. All these automata are put into operation daily at 12:30 pm except Sundays. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. Bishop Heinrich I von Hasenburg (1181 March 25, 1190) decided to construct a new cathedral, to be more beautiful than that of Basel Munster, which was just being finished. The octagonal vault is covered with arches and lacelike interlaced sculpture in the late Gothic Flamboyant style. [20] Erwin von Steinbach's son Johannes von Steinbach served as magister operis, or Werkmeister (chief architect) from (at least) 1332 until his death in 1341. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. How tall is Strasbourg Cathedral? 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. Until today, the church remains the 6th-tallest church in the world and is the most prominent landmark in Strasbourg. It was called the Dreiknigsuhr ("three-king clock"), and was located at the opposite wall from where today's clock is. [16], A Roman settlement called Argentoratum, twenty hectares in size, existed on the site since about 12 B.C., at a strategic point where bridges crossed the Rhine and two of its tributaries. Christianity was first imposed in 313 by the Edict of Constantine. 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. [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. Ad vertisement from shop HayleesSilver. The belltower is 142 m high. The observation deck is located at a height of 66 meters (217 feet) and offers some of the most amazing views of the wonderful city of Strasbourg and its surroundings! It was decorated with paintings by the Swiss painter Tobias Stimmer. Klotz's dome was in turn heavily damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and restored between 1988 and 1992. 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. After the spire of the St. Marys church in Stralsund burned down, it became the tallest building in the world, a record it would hold a total of 227 years between 1647 and 1874! Parcours "The Cathedral of Strasbourg" Streetcar line: Ligne A, D-Arrt : Langstross Grand'Rue. The sculpture of the portals was returned to its places or restored between 1811 and 1827. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. Every day at solar noon, Christ and the Apostles go on a procession and the rooster is integrated into the clock crows thrice. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [75], The windows of the triforium, between the upper and lower window, contain 19th-century reconstitutions of early windows depicting the ancestors of Christ, but little of the original glass remains. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. The current cathedral wasnt the first building on the site, 4. [46] and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn, Germany. There are three stairways down to the crypt, the oldest, from the apse, dates to about 1150. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! 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. [45] During that same war, the stained glass was removed in 74 cases. The planned south tower was never built and as a result, with its characteristic asymmetrical form, the cathedral is now the premier landmark of Alsace. Cathedral facts for kids. It is the tallest building in the city and has been a World Heritage Site since 1988. A retrouver dans la galerie. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. #1 A Good Camera - No doubt you're going to be snapping like crazy with these amazing Cathedral views and need to ensure you have a good camera to do this city justice. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . A little history about Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Strasbourg's cathedral is an emblematic monument of the city, built on a site that was occupied by an important Roman camp when the city was called Argentoratum, and which has hosted many places of worship over the centuries. These are the best places for couples seeking sights & landmarks in Strasbourg: Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg; La Petite France; glise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune; Barrage Vauban; Centre-ville de Strasbourg; See more sights & landmarks for couples in Strasbourg on Tripadvisor The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. 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 original Romanesque building. The cathedral has a length of 112 meters (367 feet) and a width of 16 meters (52 feet). They are traditionally hung in the arcades of the nave during Advent. Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered At 142 metres , Strasbourg Cathedral was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874 , when it was surpassed by St. Nikolai's Church, Hamburg. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. The crossing dome is placed over the meeting point of the transept and the choir, and, like the bell tower, has eight sides. Under the balustrade is a large painting on wood illustrating the Nativity, in a sweeping landscape. [84], Canon Conrad de Bussnang praying to Virgin and Child. History. Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. 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! When the nave was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, the old windows were reinstalled in random locations. Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. 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). The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. The Bishop appealed to the new Emperor, who granted one eighth of his revenues in the province toward the construction of a new Cathedral. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. [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. Behind him is the portal of Saint Laurent. 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. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. The cathedral in Strasbourg is widely known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in whole Europe. Since it was built, the platform has been a popular tourist attraction, and, until recently, a strategic fire lookout. It's the most. Add to Favorites . Strasbourg and Cologne Cathedral together represent some of the earliest uses of architectural drawing. 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. 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 Gothic style also appeared in the statuary, particularly the Pillar of the Angels, and in the tympanums over the double portals on the south transept, which showed the influence of the sculpture in French Gothic cathedrals. At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. Architect Erwin von Steinbach is credited for major contributions from 1277 to his death in 1318, and beyond through his son Johannes von Steinbach, and his grandson Gerlach von Steinbach, who succeeded him as chief architects. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. The cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany. The four bells in the octagon tower are rung on the hour. Most of the sculptures decorating this portal are copies and the originals are on display in a museum in Strasbourg called the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame.. Above this is a globe, with painted figures of the Church and the Antichrist confronting each other. 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. The work was completed in 1439. It was hoisted up to its present position in 1327. This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. The sacristy occupies the upper level over the chapel. Completed in 1439, it looms majestically over the Place de la Cathdrale, a major city square. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. In 1918 Alsace and Strasbourg and Alscace were once again attached to France. The current cathedral was completed in 1439 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988. It is really beautiful and imposing! 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. [36], A series of major reconstructions and restorations were carried out in the second of the century Gustave Klotz[fr] from 1837 to 1888. 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. A Romanesque portal opens to the cloister outside. Between 1200 and 1228, the Romanesque vaults of the north transept were replaced by the pointed Gothic rib vault, which were stronger and shifted the thrust of the weight outwards, reducing the need for massive pillars in the interior. The two rose windows above are later, from the 14th century, with vegetal designs. 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. 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]. This artifact was later kept in the historical collections of the city until they were all destroyed during the Siege of Strasbourg in a massive fire in August 1870. [56], Lintel decoration Mary ascends to Heaven, Ecclesia and Synagoga among other statues from the cathedral in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, The south portal, or Portal of the Virgin, dates to about the 1220s, the same time as the Pillar of the Angels and the Astronomic clock in the interior. [82] Other parts of the vaults are upheld by Atlantes, supports in the form of human figures. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. This switch was made under the influence of architects who worked on the Cathedral of Chartres. The first cathedral was built on top of this temple and was completed in the 7th century, but nothing of these structures remains today. The new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. [29][30] The building of the second tower was often discussed, and was seriously proposed when Alsace became part of Germany after the 1871 French-German War in 1871, but was coldly received by the population of Strasbourg, who considered it would be a symbol of German occupation.[31]. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. Above this is a colourful clock with the signs of the zodiac. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties. [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. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest still standing extant structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. During the Franco-Prussian War of 187071, city was under siege. The cathedral was one of the earliest structures built with exterior flying buttresses. Strasbourg Cathedral (official French: Notre-Dame de Strasbourg ,German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg, Our Lady of Strasbourg) is the Cathedral in Strasbourg. If you love heritage, culture and the art of living, there's no doubt that you'll fall in love with this city! A statue on the west side of the pillar represents a famed preacher contemporary with the cathedral; Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg (d. 1510); a small sculpture along the railing of the stairs depicts Geiler's dog, mourning his master on steps of the pulpit where he once preached. In height to the vaults it is 32.616 metres (107.01ft). Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches. The next major step toward Gothic took place with the raising of the vaults of the south transept, creating thinner walls and more space for high windows. Apart from that, he is also standing just outside of the Cathedral near the southern transept of the church. An even older bell, by Jean Jacques-Miller (1595), repeats the sounding of the hours one minute later. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. [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. Drawing A, circa 1260. They were constructed around its nave in the 12th century to lend support to the thin walls, after the need. One of the most incredible facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that its spire was saved because the citizens of Strasbourg dressed the spire of the church with a huge tin Phrygian cap, the exact type of cap worn by the Enrags at the time. This clock functioned until 1788, and can be seen today in the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts. Strasbourg France Facts 1: the population. 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. You will surely enjoy exploring the vibrant . Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. From the platform of Strasbourg Cathedral, 66 meters above the ground, discover a striking panorama of the city in 1490 to the west, and in 1730 to the east. The original construction phase utilized the Romanesque architectural style. 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. The vaults are supported by a circular pillar with modest decorative stone rings. Both the interior and exterior of the Strasbourg Cathedral are extraordinary, once called by Victor Hugo "a prodigy of the gigantic and the delicate." Built on the foundations of a Roman. Kids Encyclopedia Facts. The same was about to happen to the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral as the agitators who ruled the city during the revolution, referred to as the Enrags, planned to demolish it in April of 1794. [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.

West Valley View Obituaries, Average Time To Cycle 5km On Exercise Bike, Pahrump Police Reports, Vermont Superior Court Criminal Division, Fitness Marshall Lawsuit 2020, Articles S