Strasbourg Cathedral

In the heart of the Grande Île, Strasbourg's historic centre, Notre-Dame Cathedral raises its unique spire to 142 metres. Founded in 1015 on the remains of an older cathedral, it was rebuilt in Gothic style from 1220 and nearly completed by 1365; the spire was added in 1439. Built mainly of pink sandstone, it can be seen from far off across the Alsace plain.

A cathedral commissioned by the city

In 1262, Strasbourg rebelled against its prince-bishop and became a republic. From then on it was the city, not the bishop, that directed the works and commissioned the west façade. Erwin of Steinbach had drawn the plans; after his death in 1318, the project changed and the space between the two towers was filled in. Ulrich of Ensingen, then Johann Hültz, designed the octagonal tower and its spire bristling with small staircases. From 1647 to 1874, no building in the world was taller. The second spire, drawn several times, was never built.

What to see inside

In the south arm of the transept, the Pillar of the Angels, raised around 1230, carries the four evangelists, angels sounding trumpets and a Christ surrounded by the instruments of the Passion. The cathedral also houses a Renaissance astronomical clock whose automata come to life every day. The richly carved pulpit by Hans Hammer, made at the end of the 15th century, and a series of fourteen 17th-century tapestries on the life of the Virgin, originally made for Notre-Dame de Paris, complete the visit.

Legends in stone

The cathedral has its stories. Near the Pillar of the Angels, a sculpted man leans on a balustrade. According to legend, he predicted that the pillar would collapse, and the architect left him frozen there, waiting. The dates tell a different story, since the pillar dates from the 13th century and the balustrade from the 15th. Another legend claims the city council had the eyes of the clockmaker put out so he could not build another clock elsewhere. On the pulpit staircase, a small sleeping dog is said to recall that of the preacher Geiler of Kaysersberg.

Why energy site enthusiasts stop here

Strasbourg Cathedral holds a leading place among the energy sites of Alsace. The pink sandstone, the light through the stained glass and the soaring spire all contribute, as does the blend of faith, science and legend. What was your impression on entering? Leave your impression below.