Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
survived the French Revolution, the Franco-Prussian War, World War I, and World War II
(though it was damaged by British and American bombing raids in World War II).
Cost and Hours:
Free, daily 7:00-11:15 & 12:45-19:00. The midday closing is for a
special €2 viewing of the astronomical clock (described below).
Visiting the Cathedral:
Before entering the cathedral, survey the scene. The
square
in front of the cathedral makes the ideal stage for street performers—it's like a medieval
fair.ThissquarewasRoman2,000yearsagoandthen,asnow,itwasthecenterofactivity.
The dark half-timbered building to your left, next to the TI, was the home of a wealthy
merchant in the 16th century, and symbolizes the virtues of capitalism that Strasbourg has
longrevered(todayit'sarestaurant).Goodsweresoldundertheground-floorarches;own-
ers lived above.
Strasbourg made its medieval mark as a trading center, milking its position at the
crossroads of Europe and its access to the important Rhine River to charge tolls for the
movement of goods. Its robust economy allowed for the construction of this glorious
cathedral. Strasbourg's location drew all kinds of people to the city (as it still does today),
making it susceptible to new ideas. Martin Luther's theses were posted on the cathedral's
main doors, and after the wars of religion, this cathedral was Protestant for more than 100
years. (Louis XIV returned it to Catholicism in 1621.) Strasbourg remains a tolerant city
today.
Thedark-red
stone
thatdifferentiatesthiscathedralfromothergreatGothicchurches
in France is quarried from the northern part of the Vosges Mountains (compare it to the
yellow stone of St. Martin's in Colmar). You'll see this stone on display in many other
buildings as you tour Strasbourg.
A Romanesque cathedral on this site burned down in 1176, allowing Strasbourg's
bishop to rebuild it bigger and better—which he did. Construction began in the same
Romanesque style as before. But after learning from the architects of Chartres' cathedral,
the work was stopped and much of the structure was torn down to start over with the new
Gothic style.
Study the intricate decorations on the facade. Notice the sculpture over the left portal
(complacent, spear-toting Virtues getting revenge on those nasty Vices). Enter the cathed-
ral and walk down the center (English displays are scattered about the interior). The
stained glass on the lower left windows shows various rulers of Strasbourg; the stained
glass on your right depicts Bible stories. An exquisite, gold-leafed organ hangs above the
second pillars. Admire the elaborately carved stone pulpit. Walk to the choir and find a
seat. Gaze into the Byzantine-like scene and find the stained-glass image of Mary with the
European Union flag at the top.
