In the heart of Strasbourg, the Strasbourg Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, stands as a monumental beacon of the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. With its single tower, this cathedral has been a central point of Strasbourg, both geographically and culturally, for centuries.
A Historical Edifice
The construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral began in 1015 on the site of a Roman temple. A fire in the 12th century led to a second wave of construction, embracing the then-developing Gothic style. The cathedral’s construction spanned several centuries, with the final touches completed in 1439. It was during this period that the cathedral’s iconic single tower was constructed, a result of architectural evolution and historical circumstances.
Why Only One Tower?
Originally, the cathedral was to have two towers, much like the Notre Dame in Paris. However, the plans changed when the chief architects after the Steinbachs decided against the second spire. Instead, they constructed a single, octagonal tower with an elongated, octagonal crowning on the northern side of the west facade by master Ulrich Ensingen and his successor, Johannes Hültz. This distinctive feature gives the cathedral its unique asymmetrical facade.
Dimensions That Impress
The Strasbourg Cathedral is a marvel of medieval engineering. It stretches 112 meters in length and the nave reaches a height of 32.6 meters. The spire, which was once the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874, stands at an impressive 142 meters. These dimensions made the cathedral an architectural wonder of its time, and it remains one of the tallest churches in the world today.
A Witness to History
Throughout its existence, the cathedral has been a silent witness to numerous historic events. It became a Protestant church during the Reformation in 1521 and was returned to the Catholic faith after Strasbourg’s incorporation into France in 1681. The cathedral endured the ravages of wars, including the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars, yet it remained standing, a symbol of resilience.
The Heart of Strasbourg
The cathedral’s central location in Place de la Cathédrale makes it a focal point for both residents and visitors. The grandeur of the cathedral is best appreciated up close (as on this picture), where one can truly grasp the scale and intricacy of its Gothic features.
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