The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is a marvel of history and architecture that must be gazed upon in person in order to experience its true beauty.
Located in Strasbourg, one of the homes of the European Parliament, the cathedral completely dominates the skyline of the Alsace region for miles around.
Romanesque meets Gothic
Construction of the Roman Catholic cathedral formally began in the year 1176 and took over 200 years to complete.
During its construction, the building saw the transition of two architectural forms as the Romanesque style evolved into the Gothic style.
In fact, the cathedral itself has a blend of both Romanesque and Gothic influences.
However, the building undoubtedly has a stronger Gothic feel to it and is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest examples belonging to that style.
Tallest structure in the world
Much of the cathedral was completed by 1284, however, the spire was not added until 1439.
The church is unique in that it does not have a twin spire, like many other cathedrals and churches across the globe.
When St Mary’s Church in Stralsund had its steeple burnt down after it was struck by lightning in 1647, the cathedral in Strasbourg became the tallest structure in the world for its time standing at 142 metres from top-to-bottom.
It remained the world’s tallest building for an impressive 227 years until it was surpassed by St. Nikolai’s Church in Hamburg (147m) in 1857.
Astronomical clock
The cathedral is also home to the Strasbourg astronomical clock.
Although not the original, the clock is a site to behold and dates as far back as 1843.
It is a true testament that showcases the marvel of 1800s engineering as it combined the works of sculptors, painters, mathematicians including Swiss watchmakers.
Its encapsulating features includes a planetary dial called an orrery which displays the real heliocentric position of the moon and the sun.
It also includes a planetary calendar.
Furthermore, every day without fail at 12:30pm, the clock’s automative features come alive.
It begins with an angel sounding a chime and is followed with the 12 apostles passing in front of Jesus Christ.
One level below, figures that represent tha different stages of life pass before Death, a skeleton figure wearing a rob and wielding a scythe in his left hand.
Right at the top, a life-size cock crows thrice signalling midday.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg forms part of the French Republic but in the past it has been under Germany.
Its proximity to Germany means that the city has long since been immersed in a Franco-German culture that has been overseen throughout the centuries by the cathedral.
Today the cathedral and the city represent European culture and history that has seen its struggles and yet stands tall today as a symbol for unity, tolerance and co-existence.
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