Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Highlight
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© 2022
With its 142-meter-high spire, the Cathedral towers over the entire Alsatian plain in its "lace gown" of pink sandstone. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture is the undisputed landmark of Strasbourg and captivates visitors from all over the world.
A Miracle in Stone
Victor Hugo aptly described it as a "marvel, both immense and delicate." It took nearly three centuries of hard labor to complete this structure made of pink Vosges sandstone. One should take the time to admire the magnificent sculptures adorning the facades and the interior. A particular highlight is the stained glass windows—the magnificent rose window above the main entrance alone measures an impressive 14 meters in diameter.
Stories in Sandstone
The rich world of figures at the Cathedral tells countless stories. The main facade is particularly detailed: on the right side portal, one finds the Prince of the World as a tempter, surrounded by wise and foolish virgins. The left portal shows the struggle of Virtues against Vices, while the central portal focuses on the Passion and Resurrection of Christ.
Treasures in the Nave
The interior of the Cathedral also holds world-class treasures. The magnificent Pillar of Angels represents the Last Judgment, while the pulpit by Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg is an outstanding example of the Late Gothic Flamboyant style. The main organ and the largely original stained glass windows from the 13th and 14th centuries form a rare ensemble of Romanesque and Gothic glass art.
Renaissance High-Tech
The astronomical clock from 1547 is an absolute highlight. This masterpiece of mathematics and clockmaking still surprises today with its sophistication. Particularly impressive is the perpetual calendar with its astrolabe. Every day at 12:30 PM, the figures come to life as the Apostles pass by Christ in greeting.
Above the Rooftops
Those who do not shy away from the climb of 330 steps will be rewarded with a breathtaking view from the 66-meter-high Cathedral platform. The view extends over the rooftops of Strasbourg all the way to the Vosges and the Black Forest. In the guard house at the top, one can also admire the historic 15th-century treadmills that once served as a lifting system for the construction.
