strasbourg cathedral facts

It's the most. The original statue-columns of the Apostles from the 1220s which supported the tympanum were smashed in 1793 during the French Revolution. 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. [52], The cathedral has three portals, corresponding to the three vessels of the nave. [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". The new plan was inspired in part by French cathedrals, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Urbain of Troyes. Other scenes are painted onto the reverse of the bas-reliefs. This magnificent cathedral is located in the city of Strasbourg in the eastern part of the country. 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). 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. Theres a reason why the church has an asymmetrical form, 12. The cathedral has an observation deck that offers stunning views, French Revolution in the late 18th century, The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals Top 8 Facts, The Caf-Concert by douard Manet Top 8 Facts, Top 10 Famous Paintings at the Frans Hals Museum, 8 Historic Facts about the Szchenyi Chain Bridge. [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. Cathedrals can be found in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox . Some of the capitals also have sculpted monsters and lions on the corners. The northern transept is decorated with the Emperor Windows, also referred to as the Kaiserfenster.. It dates to the end of the 15th century. The pillar was created in the middle of the 13th century, most probably by a group of sculptors from France or Burgundy. [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. 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. [8], Animated mechanical figure of Samson and a lion. This is a real masterpiece of high Gothic. The more recent one is under the transept, from about 1150, and the older one, under the apse, was built in about 1110 to 1120. The work was completed in 1439. Archaeological excavations below and around the cathedral have been conducted in 18961897,[11] 1907,[12] 19231924,[13] 19471948,[14] between 1966 and 1972,[15] and finally between 2012 and 2014. Construction History of the Strasbourg Cathedral in Alsace. At the lower level are statues of the four Evangelists. A gallery of statues of the Apostles, each in his own arch, is placed above the rose window. Climbing up to the Cathedral's platform and guard house is a thrilling experience. [85], The cathedral has two Romanesque crypts, the oldest parts of the cathedral. 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. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. Its also the capital of the Bas-Rhin department. 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. 1500) by Nikolaus Hagenauer, probably from the former main altar of the cathedral, Parts of the original astronomical clock (Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts). 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 tower is one of the first to rely substantially on craftsmanship, with the final appearance being one with a high degree of linearity captured in stone. Bengel, Sabine; Nohlen, Marie-Jos; Potier, Stphane: This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 19:21. Other 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. Theres a statue of the main architect next to the cathedral, 8. On the south side of the nave, the upper walls have windows depicting female saints, including local saints from Alsace or Strasbourg. This clock functioned until 1788, and can be seen today in the Strasbourg Museum of Decorative Arts. The genuinely Romanesque chevet can only be seen from the courtyard of the adjacent complex of 18th-century buildings. [83], The apse, with the Virgin of Alsace window (1956), Crowning of Mary, by Eduard Steinle in the vault of the apse, The apse of the cathedral, the hemispherical vault behind the altar on the northeast end, features Romanesque and Gothic architecture overlaid with 19th-century Neo-Romanesque decoration, The paintings on the half-dome and walls were made by douard Steinl in 187779, in the style of a Byzantine mosaic. 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 is the seat of a Bishop. The chair of Bishop Broughton, first Anglican Bishop of Sydney, Australia. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Strasbourg and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. 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. Kids Encyclopedia Facts. The second wave of construction started in the 12th century, when the Gothic style of architecture had started to develop. (15th c.), The chapel as it appeared in the 14th century (19th-century engraving), Tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg (131020), The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist is located just to the left of the apse, at the northeast end of the cathedral. It is the second most visited cathedral in France, just after Notre Dame de Paris! 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 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. Even though the cathedral was eventually surpassed in height by the St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg, Germany, it still holds the record of being the tallest church in the world that was completely constructed during the Middle Ages. [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. 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. Only those Christian denominations that have bishops have cathedrals. Take a moment to yourself in the cathedral; sit in a pew and enjoy the peace. [49], In 2000, an Al-Qaeda plot to bomb the adjacent Christmas market was prevented by French and German police. It is a major architectural, historical, and cultural landmark in the city. This was changed and the French Gothic style or Rayonnant Gothic was used for most parts of the cathedral starting in the 13th century. By plane 15 minutes from Strasbourg Airport. 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. 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. [72] Rays of yellow glass radiate outwards like a sun, surrounded mosaic-like pieces of green and blue and by small oculi with red floral designs. Klotz's dome was in turn heavily damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and restored between 1988 and 1992. 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. As it turns, it shows the 1,022 stars identified by Ptolemy, as viewed above the horizon of Strasbourg. Decrees of the Emperor rendering justice were traditionally read out in front of this doorway. 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. They wear diadems and have flowers in their hair, and carry twigs of the tree of life, or fruit. 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. Formerly the floor of the crossing was filled with tombs of notable religious figures, but they were moved in later reconstructions. The primary decorative element is the rose window, added between 1320 and 1340, and substantially restored since. 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. Construction of the Neo-Romanessque dome over the transept was begun, and new bronze doors were installed in 1879. [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. 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. The small circular windows above the Emperors depict scenes from the life of Christ.[73]. Fortunately for Strasbourg, the Romanesque church burnt down in 1176, and reconstruction dragged on sufficiently for the bishop to mostly use the newly . The Bishop appealed to the new Emperor, who granted one eighth of his revenues in the province toward the construction of a new Cathedral. Several of the original Romanesque structures were torn down to make way for this revolutionary new architectural style. Drawing A, circa 1260. 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. Most of the stained-glass windows date back to the Middle Ages, 14. [83], The central tower is composed of three levels. It was constructed beginning in about 1330, following the rebuilding of the transept. [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. While the spire is the most prominent feature, the western faade is the most impressive element of the cathedrals design. Marvel at the oldest Gothic cathedral of Europe with your local tour guide. It was the tallest building of world for over 227 years. A balustrade crosses the face of the transept, and above is a wall of two bays filled with stained glass. It is easily recognizable by its pink sandstone faade and its unique tower. Bishop Heinrich von Hasenburg was the leading figure behind the start of the construction of the church and he had one goal, to make it more amazing than the newly finished cathedral of Basel. The chapel contains the tomb of Bishop Conrad de Lichtenberg, made between 1310 and 1320, and now framed by flamboyant tripe arch. It was the highest building in the world from 1647 to 1874. The very beautiful stained glass windows date from the fourteenth century and is mostly a work by John Kircheim. By the use of buttresses and a double wall, the outer wall decorative with wide spaces, and the inner wall bearing the weight and having large windows, the interior of the cathedral could have more light. Judgement of Solomon at Strasbourg Cathedral. [67] It is surrounded and supported by four more slender towers containing circular stairways. Strasbourg Cathedral in France is famous for its western facade. Remains of the choir screen are displayed in the Muse de luvre Notre-Dame and in The Cloisters. It also contains the tomb of Conrad de Bussnang, a prominent member of the chapter, whose image is portrayed in sculpture praying before the Virgin and child. 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. Bayeux Tapestry. "We will rebuild Notre-Dame together because that is what our history deserves." The goal is to have the repairs completed in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK A professor of the University of Iowa even wrote a paper concluding that the faade indeed had a well-planned design as it was designed using a series of rotated octagons. The central figures depict the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, and the Crucifixion and Passion of Christ, all with exceptional expression and detail. The painted figures on the wall represent fathers of the church and founders of religious orders, depicted in Byzantine style. [37] 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. History. It is separated from the nave by two massive pillars, 8.5 by 5 meters, which support the tower above. [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. Above that are three narrow windows and then a triangular gable with a small circular oculus window and blind arches. It houses one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world, 15. 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! The statues in the portals are all standing upon realistically carved capitals decorated with the signs of the zodiac. [40], In 1903, the architect Johann Knauth discovered cracks on the first pillar of the northern side of the nave. The portals are set forward from the front of the church by the network of slender columns, spires and arches which form an outer decorative wall. The new building, with its wooden roof beams, was unfortunately prone to fire; it suffered from fires in 1136, 1140,1150, and 1176. The belltower is 142 m high. The capitals of the columns are decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures. It is still in place.[86]. 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. This part of the clock is surrounded by painted figures representing the ancient empires Greece, Assyria, Persia, and Rome. 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. 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. 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. There are two altars fixed to west pillars of the crossing, both from the 16th century; one devoted to Saint Pancras of Rome and the other to Saint Maurice. Free shipping for many products! This is also true for Ecclesia and Synagoga, arguably the most famous statues of the cathedral, if not of Strasbourg. The work of Professor Robert O. Bork of the University of Iowa suggests that the design of the Strasbourg faade, while seeming almost random in its complexity, can be constructed using a series of rotated octagons. The cathedral has a rich history, dating back to the . The face is flanked by two cylindrical towers with narrow lancet windows and pointed roofs. The central vessel was higher than the two collaterals. 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. 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. Every day at solar noon, Christ and the Apostles go on a procession and the rooster is integrated into the clock crows thrice. Here are the best facts about Strasbourg Cathedral 1. It is reached by a stairway with a curling sculpted design called "butterfly wings". 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 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. Cathdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg or Strasbourg Cathedral is the 6th tallest church in the world, built entirely in the medieval period. [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. 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. . [17], The Romanesque chevet of the cathedral, seen in 1671, Romanesque pillars, vaults and squinches of the transept, In 1002, following the death of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, a battle broke out between his potential successors. 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. It has an asymmetrical facade (mainly 13th century) with fine . 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. Strasbourg Cathedral While Goethe's poems on nature, romance, science and his great novel Faust have long been available to the English-speaking audience, his writings on art and literature, as in Essays, are less familiar. This embroidered cloth has a length of about 70 meters (230 feet) and a height of 50 centimeters (20 inches). Between the lower tower and spire there is a balustrade, almost hidden by pinnacles and other architectural decoration. In October 1988, when the city celebrated its 2,000th anniversary (as the first official mention of Argentoratum dates from 12 BC), pope John Paul II visited and celebrated mass in the cathedral. A sculpture of a head, wearing the hat of an architect or magistrate, gazes from the balustrade at the pillar of angels. 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 cupola itself rests upon four squinches, a base made of rounded arches, which make the connection between the Gothic and Romanesque elements. [79]. [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. The window was a gift to the Cathedral in 1956 from the Council of Europe, which has headquarters in Strasbourg. The central decoration is sculptural work dedicated to the Virgin Mary donated by the de Barby brothers in 1521. One of the coolest facts about Strasbourg Cathedral is that you can get the best view of all on top of the cathedral itself! Another two old bells by Mathieu Edel (1787) ring on the quarter hours. One of the oldest surviving architectural drawings of the cathedral. It was built over a period of 424 years, 3. The European capital and the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg exudes youthfulness and energy. [25] The three men completed the bell tower over the central part of the faade, in a design that moved away from Gerlach von Steinbach's initial idea of a central tower and whose precise authorship is unknown. Overview Download history Purchase history Invoices Boards SIGN OUT. 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.