Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the most beautiful jewels of Gothic art in Europe. Its construction began at the end of the XNUMXth century on the basis of a basilica that would be the forerunner of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its dimensions and impressive pinkish walls captivated famous authors such as Victor Hugo and Goethe by making it stand out from any other building in the vicinity.

Throughout its thousand-year history, the Strasbourg Cathedral has been an icon of the union of peoples in faith and art as well as a very relevant tourist destination.

What is the Strasbourg Cathedral like?

From the outside it can be seen that the temple reaches 142 meters in height at its highest point, becoming at the time the largest construction in Europe. Around the XNUMXth century, the church of St. Nicholas in Hamburg took the title from it, but despite this it continues to be one of the tallest temples in the world.

The details of its facade are also worthy of admiration. Its author was Erwin Steinbach, master of the Gothic style, who knew how to capture in it a delicate lace sculpted in stone and vertical trends that gave the whole a unique character, without forgetting the stained glass windows and sculptures that with their play of light and shadow seem they are going to jump into the void.

Particularly striking is the pinkish tone of the sandstone used in the walls as it changes according to the light and the hours of the day. The interior is more beautiful than the interior if possible.

If the height of the building draws attention from the outside, inside too. Its towering columns seem unreachable. The stained glass windows on the sides, dating from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, illuminate the cathedral with light and color, creating a very special atmosphere perfect for prayer.

The pulpit in Strasbourg Cathedral dates from 1486. ​​It is a very elaborate piece dedicated to the passion of Christ, the Apostles and Saint Barbara. The altar and the organ are other spaces in the temple that powerfully capture the visitor's attention: their size, colors, motifs ...

And how can we forget the 50th century astronomical clock that still works? A jewel that at noon offers a show known as the "parade of the twelve apostles", represented by automated clock figures. Speaking of treasures, we must also mention the precious rose window XNUMX meters in circumference decorated with spikes as a symbol of wealth and power.

What other places to visit in Strasbourg?

• Kleber Square is the main square in Strasbourg, the place where the best-known shops are located and where the famous Christmas market and the huge fir tree are located.
• The largest garden in Strasbourg is L'Orangerie. Taking a walk inside we can see a tiny zoo and a beautiful lake with boats, although it also has spaces for leisure and restaurants such as a bowling alley and some restaurants.
• The Republic Square is located in the heart of the German Quarter. After the French defeat in 1870, Germany wanted to make Strasbourg the capital of the Reichslad of Lorraine and Alsace. This neighborhood presents a new concept of urbanism with wide roads and elegant buildings that blend in with the surrounding landscape. In the center of this square there is a memorial to the deceased in the region in the various conflicts that France and Germany have had over this territory. It dates from 1936 and represents a mother with two dead children, one from France and the other from Germany. Its author is Drivier.
• The Place du Marché Gayot is located next to the Strasbourg Cathedral and the Saint Etienne Square. It is a very lively place to have lunch, dinner or a drink at the end of the day as it is full of bars and restaurants.
• The Protestant Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune church is a Protestant church and one of the city's most prominent monuments. The works for its construction began in 1031 and in 1053 Pope Leo IX consecrated it, although work continued to expand the temple to its current dimensions. Inside we find interesting antiques such as the frescoes on the church walls dating from the 1780th century, the box, the cluster and the organ, built in XNUMX by Johann Andreas Silbermann.

Have you ever visited Strasbourg? What other places are interesting to visit? Leave us your comments!