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 cathedral was built in Gothic style. The painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. A sculpture of a head, wearing the hat of an architect or magistrate, gazes from the balustrade at the pillar of angels. The first cathedral was built on top of this temple and was completed in the 7th century, but nothing of these structures remains today. [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. 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. Portal of Saint Lawrence (North transept). 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. Under the roof of the Klotz tower are the six bells that ring the weekly masses but also the baptisms, marriages and deaths of parishioners. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). It was the tallest building in the world for a period of 227 years, 6. 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 four bells in the octagon tower are rung on the hour. "[36], The cathedral was not returned to church control until July 15, 1801, along with confiscated property that had not been destroyed. Take the time to marvel at the magnificent, amazing statuary inside and outside of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The original Romanesque cathedral burned down in the year 1176 and the construction of the modern-day cathedral started shortly after this disaster. The windows are devoted to nine Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. When the word was spread that Adolf Hitler wanted to turn the church into a national sanctuary of the German people during World War II, all the stained-glass windows were put into 74 boxes and stored in a salt mine near Heilbronn in Germany. 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. 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. A retrouver dans la galerie. 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. Strasbourg is a city in eastern France, the prefecture of Grand Est. Some of the windows were assembled with glass from different periods: in the windows devoted to the Emperors Frederick II and Henry II of Bamberg, the heads were made between 1250 and 1275, but in 1522 were remounted onto the bodies of other kings from earlier windows made in about 1180. 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. With its spire soaring 142m above the city, Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest building in the West until the nineteenth century. The wicked attempt, without success, to seduce the noble Virgins, but succeed with the foolish virgins. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. ABOUT Strasbourg Cathedral: discover the Gothic masterpiece! They were manufactured between 1638 and 1657 in Paris by Pierre Damour. Strasbourg Cathedral in France is famous for its western facade. This is also true for Ecclesia and Synagoga, arguably the most famous statues of the cathedral, if not of Strasbourg. The Steinbachs's plans for the completion of the cathedral were not followed through by the chief architects who took over after them, and instead of the originally envisioned two spires, a single, octagonal tower with an elongated, octagonal crowning was built on the northern side of the west facade by master Ulrich von Ensingen and his successor, Johannes Hltz. 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 1505, architect Jakob von Landshut and sculptor Hans von Aachen finished rebuilding the Saint-Lawrence portal (Portail Saint-Laurent) outside the northern transept in a markedly post-Gothic, early-Renaissance style. "It is our history," French president Emmanuel Macron said after the fire. [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. A little-known treasure of Strasbourg, the gothic Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. 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. By car Served by the A4 and the A35. [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. The first stone was placed on May 25, 1277, by Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral. The pilasters between the stairways are older, from 1015. It is decorated with four vertical groups of statue-columns, depicting scenes from Christ and the Last Judgement, as well as four angels carrying the instruments of the Passion, and above that, four more angels sounding trumpets. Recent Boards {{ board.name }} {{ board.total_asset_count }} View all Boards View all Sets CREATE BOARD. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. 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. There are three stairways down to the crypt, the oldest, from the apse, dates to about 1150. The church marked a historic moment in architecture, 11. [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. But it hasn't always been. The crossing of the transept and the choir is topped by the central cupola or dome, which is supported by four gigantic pillars, each wrapped in eight columns, which reach up to support the vaults under the cupola. 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. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. Free or royalty-free photos and images. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". [79]. Strasbourg is located close to the border of Germany. Strasbourg Cathedral Interesting Facts The construction of the cathedral took 424 years. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. 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. Church of St Peter the Young. [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. 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. The portal outside the northern transept is equally fascinating, 10. Behind him is the portal of Saint Laurent. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. Above this is a colourful clock with the signs of the zodiac. 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. [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. Today, about 275,000 people live there (with around 780,000 in the metropolitan area ). [84], The main altar, in the form of a tomb, is a recreation of an earlier altar in the rocaille or late baroque style, which had been damaged in a fire in 1759 and then ruined during the French Revolution. The construction of this church is a mixture of Roman and Gothic architecture. One of the most remarkable facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that even though its considered to be the epitome of a church in the Gothic architectural style, the first phase consisted of Romanesque buildings. 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. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. [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. With its elaborate astrological clock and red sandstone surface, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. The rose window, with a rayonnant Gothic design, is fourteen metres in diameter and was finished in 1345. 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 original statue-columns of the Apostles from the 1220s which supported the tympanum were smashed in 1793 during the French Revolution. It is in a Neo-Byzantine style, with Christ in a red frame in the center. It is the seat of a Bishop. Strasbourg Cathedralor the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg(French: Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathdrale de Strasbourg, German: Liebfrauenmnster zu Straburgor Straburger Mnster), also known as Strasbourg Minster, is a cathedral. [54][55] It presents a virtual theater of late Gothic flamboyant architecture and decoration, including three interlocking arches over the doors, containing a statue of the Saint during his martyrdom. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. It measures 142 m (466 ft) and remained the tallest building in the world until 1847. The cathedral is open from October to March from 10 a.m.. In height to the vaults it is 32.616 metres (107.01ft). Archaeological excavations below and around the cathedral have been conducted in 1896-1897, 1907, 1923-1924, 1947-1948, between 1966 and 1972, and finally between 2012 and 2014.. [56], The mid-level of the transept over the portal, built in about 1230, has lancet windows and a statue of Virgin, flanked by Saint Peter and Saint Lawrence. Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . 1500 and 1682), but many treasures remain inside the building; others, or fragments of them, being displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame. 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. One of the architects was Erwin von Steinbach. The Silbermann organ had three keyboards, thirty-nine jeux, or effects and two thousand, two hundred forty-two pipes. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. These windows consist of 5 sets and depict 19 Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. 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. A first Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century which later burnt to the ground. 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. 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. A large arched bay occupies the central portion, just below a balustrade. 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. 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. Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. [81], The man on the balustrade (south transept). One of the most fascinating facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that it took hundreds of years to complete. 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. [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. He in 1284 and developed a western facade, with a thousand sculptures and an elegant rosette window. Every day at solar noon, Christ and the Apostles go on a procession and the rooster is integrated into the clock crows thrice. The most amazing feature of the cathedral is its west faade, 9. [26][27][28], The octagonal north tower was the combined work of architects Ulrich Ensingen (shaft) and Johannes Hltz of Cologne (top). 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! Strasbourg cathedral is an excellent example of gothic art, though the building also has Romanesque features dating back to before 1225 when there was a change of craftsmen. Strasbourg Cathedral is over one thousand years old. Ensingen worked on the cathedral from 1399 to 1419, taking over from Claus von Lohre, and Hltz from 1419 to 1439, completing the building at last. In 1905 he began taking measures to consolidate and strengthen the north side of the west facade, which supports the spire. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. A Romanesque portal opens to the cloister outside. On the bottom, figures of the Four Seasons surround a mechanical astrolabe, which indicates the location of the planets according to Copernicus, and is surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. Previous buildings on the site At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. It became a major trading center for wine, grain, and later for textiles and luxury products. Schedule: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 to 5:45 p.m. Sundays and feast days: 2 to 5:15 p.m. May be closed to visiting during services. The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. Further modifications were made to the crypts in the 12th century. 5 out of 5 stars (7,356) $ 17.50. The church is located in the Alsace Region in eastern France, 2. [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. LMENTS POUR UNE RPONSE", Les grandes dates de lhistoire de la Cathdrale de Strasbourg, "1439 1527: Strasbourg, loge suprme du Saint-Empire romain germanique", "Strasbourg Cathedral and the French Revolution (17891802)", "1906-1926: Consolidation des fondations du pilier de la tou", "CLBRATION DANS LA CATHDRALE DE NOTRE-DAME STRASBOURG HOMLIE DU PAPE JEAN-PAUL II Samedi, 8 octobre 1988", "Sculpture - Muse de l'uvre Notre-Dame", "L'histoire de la sculpture de saint Arbogast", "1399 1419: Construction de la haute tour", "Jubil du demi-millnaire de la flche de la cathdrale de Strasbourg. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. In 1372 the work was taken over a master Conrad, also known as Kuntze, about whom little is known, until 1382. It weighs 7.5 tons and 2.2 meters in diameter, and was cast in 1447 by Hans Gremp. After the war, it was returned to the cathedral by the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section of the United States military.[47]. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. One of the most fascinating churches in the world can be found in the east of France. 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]. I love my Sony A6000, which is light, compact and . The roof was set afire and the cross at the top of the spire was bent by a German artillery shell. It also dates from the 15th century. Built of red Vosges sandstone, it is a harmonious edifice despite the variety of its architectural styles. 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. While previous faades were certainly drawn prior to construction, Strasbourg has one of the earliest faades whose construction is inconceivable without prior drawing. Construction began in 1015, and it was largely completed in 1432. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. 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. 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! The outgoing 15th century was marked by the sermons of Johann Geiler von Kaisersberg and by the emerging Protestant Reformation, represented in Strasbourg by figures such as John Calvin, Martin Bucer and Jacob Sturm von Sturmeck.
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