strasbourg cathedral facts strasbourg cathedral facts

The choir and the north transept of the cathedral were completed in a Romanesque style starting in 1176, and it wasnt until the year 1225 that the switch was made to the Gothic style. Many of his writings have not ever been translated. 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 Chapel of John the Baptist preserves its thick Romanesque walls and two Romanesque windows. You will surely enjoy exploring the vibrant . Media in category "Strasbourg Cathedral organ" The following 102 files are in this category, out of 102 total. 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. The Cathedrale Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic Church renovated and essentially rebuilt (from the original church of 1015) at the end of the 12th century in a Gothic architectural style. Plans to rebuild and restore the Notre Dame Cathedral are underway, with donations pouring in from all over. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. After trying several temporary measures, in 1915, during the First World War, he launched a large-scale project to replace the entire foundation of the cathedral with concrete. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. The Strasbourg astronomical clock is located in the Cathdrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, Alsace, France. 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. The belltower is 142 m high. 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. [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. A sculpture of a head, wearing the hat of an architect or magistrate, gazes from the balustrade at the pillar of angels. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Thanks to the installation of rib vaults, the nave was raised in height to 27 meters, and the upper walls were filled with stained glass windows. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. A retrouver dans la galerie. The cathedral is known for its ornate architecture and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The upper windows of the nave depict eighty-four saints, added by various artists between 1250 and 1275. As the spire of the cathedral is dominating the Strasbourg skyline, one starts to wonder why the building has an asymmetrical form, giving the structure the appearance that something is missing. [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. Construction finished in 1439 with the erection of the emblematic North tower. It also dates from the 15th century. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. At noon, a group of three mechanical kings would prostrate themselves before the infant Jesus, while the chimes of the clock sounded the hour. 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. 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. [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. Under Charlemagne, the Bishop Remi consecrated the altar and built a funeral crypt in about 778. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. The nave and choir were composed of three vessels, each with two traverses. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. 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 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. Top 10 Little Known Facts about Palais Rohan. 15 Fabulous Facts About Luxembourg Palace, A-Z Index - Art Timeline - Architecture Timeline - Contact - Terms - Privacy Policy - About Art Facts, 1. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! [71], Two chapels, devoted to Saint Andrew and Saint John the Baptist, were attached to the two sides of the apse. 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. CATHDRALE ALLEMANDE? [86], Original wimperg of the faade in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame, Original statues of the Tempter, the foolish Virgins and the wise Virgins from the right faade portal, Bust (ca. The most amazing feature of the cathedral is its west faade, 9. [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. Strasbourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, France. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. [37] It is the third clock on that spot and dates from th. [60], As with all the other portals, several of the statues have been replaced by copies in situ and are today displayed in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. 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. [72], The three levels of the nave; arcades and collateral aisles (bottom); triforium, and upper windows, The nave is the section of the cathedral between the narthex and the choir where ordinary parishioners are seated and worship. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. 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. [81], The man on the balustrade (south transept). The guard's house, located in the spot planned for the second spire, reflects a rich history going back to the 16th century. 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. Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. The original statues were replaced by copies in the 20th century and are today kept in the Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame. The larger crypt has three naves, of equal size, divided by slender columns. Construction was resumed in 1571 by Conrad Dasypodius and the Habrecht brothers, and this clock was given a more ambitious program of mechanical figures. 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. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. It was originally made in 1498 by Nicolas Roder for the cemetery of Saint-Thomas, and was based on engravings by Martin Schongauer and Albrecht Drer. It was hoisted up to its present position in 1327. The current cathedral was completed in 1439 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1988. This was changed and the French Gothic style or Rayonnant Gothic was used for most parts of the cathedral starting in the 13th century. However, between 1250 and 1255 they decided to become more ambitious, and used what was called the "Parisian style"; this created three levels with a total height of 32 meters from the floor to the vaults. The meeting points between the columns and the vault ribs is decorated with vegetal sculpture. [18]. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are located in old Strasbourg, which is located on an island in the middle of the city. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. 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. [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. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. Recent Boards {{ board.name }} {{ board.total_asset_count }} View all Boards View all Sets CREATE BOARD. He in 1284 and developed a western facade, with a thousand sculptures and an elegant rosette window. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. The rose window, with a rayonnant Gothic design, is fourteen metres in diameter and was finished in 1345. It is the seat of a Bishop. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. This included rebuilding the crypt and the addition of new stained-glass windows. The octagon tower was begun in 1399 by Ulrich von Ensingen (chief architect until 1419), and crowned with a spire by his successor Johannes Hltz. Take the time to marvel at the magnificent, amazing statuary inside and outside of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Other Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. 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 belltower is 142 m high. [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. STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL .925 Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Alsace France Europe Landmark Travel Souvenir New tf35 ad vertisement by HayleesSilver. [83], In 1547 a new clock was begun by Christian Herlin and others, but the construction was interrupted when the cathedral was handed over to the Roman Catholic Church. 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 is crowned by the cross, which is surrounded by four smaller crosses and images of the host and chalice, elements of the liturgy of the Eucharist. Above this is a colourful clock with the signs of the zodiac. The painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. [34] The main or high altar, a major work of early Renaissance sculpture, was also demolished that year. [38], Seven church bells were removed and melted down to made into cannon, and gold and other precious objects in the interior confiscated and taken away, and in November 1793 the cathedral was formally proclaimed a "Temple of Reason. Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg (French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburg or Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. I love my Sony A6000, which is light, compact and . The upper windows at Strasbourg fill the entire space between the triforium and the vaults. The original construction of the church on its current location started in the year 1015. #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. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. Each holds a sceptre in his right hand and an orb in the left hand, symbols of their responsibility as both sovereigns and religious figures. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. Strasbourg Cathedral is located in the heart of the Grande le, an island that lies at the historic centre of the north-eastern French city and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. 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! 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 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 rounded arches of tympanum over the doorway contain sculpture of the Virgin Mary dying, surrounded by the Twelve Apostles and being crowned by Christ. 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). This clock functioned until 1788, and can be seen today in the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts. Above this are blind arcades, an ornate cornice, and then a pointed roof with a pair of dormer or skylight windows, a small window above a large one, on each side, which brought light to the choir below. The design called for a west front taller and wider than the nave behind it. The cathedral is illuminated by one of the most remarkable collections of stained-glassed windows in the world. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". Its therefore considered to be one of the 4 capitals of Europe along with Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt. Like the city of Strasbourg, the cathedral connects German and French cultural influences, while the eastern structures, e.g. Construction of the original, on the exact site of a Roman temple, was initiated in 1015 but later destroyed by a fire. [85], The bourdon, the largest and deepest-sounding bell, In 1519 Strasbourg Cathedral commissioned Jerg von Speyer to create what was said to be the largest bell in Europe; 2.74 meters in diameter and weighing twenty tons. It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. They are covered with Romanesque groin vaults, formed by the intersection of rounded barrel vaults, and supported by massive cruciform pillars and cylindrical columns with palm leaf decoration on their capitals. [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. The tympanum was destroyed in the French Revolution and replaced by a work by the sculptor Jean Vallastre[fr] (17651833). 26 November the Church (majestic and crowned), King Solomon (above two other small statues of children evoking his famous judgement), and the Synagogue (eyes blindfolded, a sign of the refusal of true faith by the Jewish religion). [62][63][64][65][66], The eight-sided tower is three times higher than wide, more elongated than other Gothic towers of the 14th century. 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 Another remarkable feature inside the church is the Strasbourg astronomical clock. Its the third clock on this location and was installed in the year 1843, with previous clocks dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries. 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. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. In 2015, the city has celebrated the millennial anniversary of its cathedral. The length of the cathedral is about 100 metres, with the main aisle of 38 metres. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. 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 new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. Back in the day that Strasbourg was referred to as Argentoratum by the Ancient Romans, the site was already occupied by a Roman sanctuary. [41][42], During World War II, the cathedral was seen as a symbol for both warring parties. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. 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. In 2010, the metropolitan area of Strasbourg is inhabited by 759,868 people. The other vaults in the crossing were also intended to be painted, but funding was insufficient. 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 sculpture largely dates to the late 13th century and is similar in theme and style to that of the sculpture of Reims Cathedral made between 1250 and 1260, though the Strasbourg sculpture shows greater realism.[53]. It dates to the end of the 15th century. On the east wall, the windows depict Christ in Majesty, Saint Lawrence, a Virgin and Child, and John the Baptist. Just think of the Tour Saint Jacques, a sight in Paris that had its entire church demolished. It also preserves the earliest plans of the cathedral, as well as paintings and tapestries and other objects. 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. 1. However, the official ownership of the structure was given, and belongs today, to the French state, and it is administered by the Mayor of Strasbourg. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. The west front was also exceptional because it was flanked by two towers, the "harmonic" style which became common in Gothic cathedrals during the following century. During the French Revolution in the late 18th century, churches in France were in great danger. On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. 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. Repairs to war damage were completed only in the early 1990s. It takes its reddish-brown color from the sandstone of the Vosges mountains. As with so many other European Gothic churches, Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed on the ruins of its Romanesque predecessor. A gallery of statues of the Apostles, each in his own arch, is placed above the rose window. 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. Theres a reason why the church has an asymmetrical form, 12. This enormous bell was installed but cracked shortly afterwards. A paleochristian church or cathedral is believed to have been founded by an edict of Clovis I, but its exact location and appearance is unknown. The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. 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. [80], The north transept connects with the Chapel of Saint John, entered through a pointed Gothic arch containing a rounded Romanesque arch. Strasbourg Cathedral still holds a remarkable record, 7. [67] It is surrounded and supported by four more slender towers containing circular stairways. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. A pointed arch, a tribune for singers, and a balustrade were added in the 15th century. The choir was given its multicolour painted decoration, by douard Steinl and Charles Auguste Steinheil, finished in 1879. Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. The reddish-brown sandstone from the Vosges mountains gives the cathedral its distinctive colour.[8]. At Strasbourg it is 61.5 metres (202ft) long and 16 metres (52ft) wide, not counting the two collateral aisles, which are each 10.41 metres (34.2ft) wide. Figures of two reclining women hold a cadran (clock face) between them which tells the minutes. [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. 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. Type of place: Religious site. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11. [17] The first recorded bishop, Amand, participated in the Councils of Cologne and Sardique in 346 and 347. 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. Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. Construction of the new cathedral began on the foundations of the preceding structures. It was rebuilt 1298, in 13241327, in 1384, 1430, and 1489 and finally in 1716 by Andr Silbermann. The pointed gable over the central portal, decorated with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and child, reaches up into the space in front of the rose window. 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. The reverse of the central doors of the portal has a column statue of Saint Peter holding the keys of the kingdom and above it a blind rose, without glass, a miniature version of the large rose window above it. [8], A set of "Emperor" windows, (Otto I, Otto II, Otto III, Conrad II, Henry III), Emperors Philip of Swabia, Henry IV, Henry V, Frederick II, Henry II of Bamberg, with head remounted on earlier body (1522), The five lower bays on the north side contain some of the oldest stained glass of the cathedral, installed in the old Romanesque cathedral in about 1180.