Cathedral in Strasbourg. Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg. Strasbourg Cathedral: construction history and architectural features

Strasbourg Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in the French city of Strasbourg.

Strasbourg Cathedral is distinguished by its charming and majestic texture. From all sides it is shrouded in patterns of free-standing lattices, on the facade there are small painted arches, graceful sculptures, monumental columns, stained-glass windows, the altar of St. visiting this cathedral is an architectural masterpiece.

One of the main decorations of the cathedral are stained-glass windows of indescribable beauty, the best of which are clearly visible from the windows of the transept and the southern chapel. The stained-glass windows of the south chapel windows depict excerpts from the life of Jesus Christ - when he was a child, when he suffered terrible torments and episodes of the Last Judgment. On the stained-glass windows of the north transept, you can see the image of the Mother of God, leading the procession of myrrh-bearing women, who are honored by all the peoples of the world.

Running a little ahead, I would like to note that earlier this temple was not only Catholic: Protestants also attended services held in this majestic building.

The splendor of this cathedral is rather difficult to describe in words, although it, like the Cologne Cathedral, is still considered unfinished. What is the fact that for more than two centuries this building was considered the tallest on our entire planet!

Image from Pierers Universal-Lexikon, 1891

If you carefully study the written works of historians and architects, you can easily draw a definite conclusion: the Strasbourg Cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and largest Catholic churches in the world of the Old World. Every day, thousands of guests of the French city come to him to see with their own eyes the miracle that appeared in the world thanks to the joint work of German and French architects.

By the way, Strasbourg itself, although it is part of France, can be called a city where two cultures surprisingly intertwined: German and French. Speaking about this temple, built of sandstone, it should be emphasized that it is the Catholic church of the bishop: today you will not meet Protestants in its huge halls.

The very first mention of an unfinished church in the Romanesque style dates back to 1015. However, thanks to archaeological excavations, scientists were able to prove that a Roman sanctuary had risen on this site long before this period of time.

Initially, in 1015, the Strasbourg Cathedral was supposed to be built in the Romanesque style, as already mentioned a little above. Moreover, the work had already begun: the construction order was given by Bishop Werner of Habsburg.

For unknown reasons, the unfinished building almost completely burned down. It was possible to restore the temple, at the cost of incredible efforts and huge investments, only by the end of the 12th century, and at that time the Gothic style had already become fashionable in Europe.

western portal

For this reason, most parts of the building acquired more austere "airy" forms, and the decoration was made of reddish stones, which were specially brought to the construction site from neighboring mountainous areas.

The bishop, who paid all the expenses for the restoration and reconstruction of the building, died, and the construction of the majestic cathedral, which in the future should become the tallest building in the world, stopped for a while.

The donations of the bourgeoisie were not enough, so all residents of the cozy city, without exception, began to contribute to the construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral.

Interestingly, the western part was built under the leadership of a German named Steinbach. Some documents even mention the fact that the architect and builder did not hesitate to give all his property for the construction of a majestic temple.

True, all his property at that time consisted of only one horse.

The most recognizable part of the building, with the exception of the astronomical clock, which you should definitely dwell on in more detail a little lower, was the spire built by Johann Hultz from ... Cologne. Probably, it is for this reason that many tourists find similarities between the two most beautiful Catholic churches.

The North Tower, whose height reaches 142 (!) meters, was completed in 1439. True, it became the highest in the world only in 1652. This record was broken only at the end of the 19th century.

The builders probably “forgot” about the South Tower: they never started building it. For this reason, the Strasbourg Cathedral can be called a model of asymmetry in architecture (if, of course, you do not take into account the masterpieces of Antonio Gaudí).

The architects, as in the construction of the Cologne Cathedral, were guided by the French cathedral Gothic, which can be seen from the doubling of the western towers and, as a result, the wide western facade, as well as the longitudinal nave in the form of a basilica, in contrast to German churches with three naves of the same height (German Hallenkirche).

Among the main builders of the cathedral were Ulrich von Ensingen (German Ulrich von Ensingen, previously participated in the creation of the Ulm Cathedral) and Erwin von Steinbach (German Erwin von Steinbach).

The north tower, 142 m high, with an openwork stepped spire made entirely of sandstone according to the design of the Cologne master Johann Hülz (completed in 1439), was until the end of the 19th century the tallest structure made entirely of stone.

The square on which the cathedral stands is one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe. There are a number of half-timbered houses (up to 4-5 floors) in the style of Alemannic-South German (Swabian) architecture on it. Characteristic are the high roofs, in which there are several "inclined" floors (up to four). On the north side of the square stands the famous half-timbered house, the skillfully painted Kammerzell House, built in the 15th century (German: Haus Kammerzell, French: Maison Kammerzell).

In the Strasbourg Cathedral, every sculpture, every stained-glass window and object is a real work of art that cannot be valued in monetary terms. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to describe them all in one material. It is best to see them with your own eyes or look at the photo.

gallery of the apostles

In the early 20s of the 13th century, sculptors from Chartres were invited to Strasbourg, who were the bearers of a completely new, Gothic style. So the cathedral, like, in fact, the whole of Alsace, became a fusion of German and French styles.

details of a tympanum in the cathedral museum

This was manifested, in particular, in the fact that both red and blue (typically French) and green (typical for German cathedrals) colors were used in stained-glass windows.

It is definitely worth highlighting the sculptures that the traveler can admire above the triple portal: these are realistically made statues of the great Prophets, the Magi, who carried messages from higher powers to the people, and symbolic images of worldly vices and virtues.

san lauren portal

Inside the Strasbourg Cathedral, you can see a magnificent font, which was made by the famous Dotzinger in the middle of the 15th century. Tapestries, the altar of St. Pancratius, stained-glass windows stunning in their unearthly beauty and, of course, an astronomical clock are just a small part of what can be seen in one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the world.

By the way, the astronomical clock of the Strasbourg Cathedral deserves special attention. The amazing and precise mechanism was developed by the watchmaker Schwilge, and the decorated case for them was made in the 17th century by Tobias Stimmer.

Before them there were clocks built in 1353 and 1574, the last of which worked until 1789 and already had astronomical functions. In 1832, a unique mechanism was constructed showing the orbits of the Earth, the Moon and the then known planets (from Mercury to Saturn).

A feature of the watch is a mechanism that completes one full rotation on New Year's Eve and calculates the reference point for those holidays whose dates change from year to year. But the slowest rotating part of the clock shows the precession of the earth's axis - one revolution takes 25,800 years.

It is impossible to explain how it was possible to recreate such an exact mechanism at a time when there was no computer technology yet. The astronomical clock of the Strasbourg Cathedral attracts attention and, at times, does not allow you to focus on anything else.

Every 15 minutes, the clock “comes to life”: one of the four figures floats in front of the audience, which symbolize the frailty of life. The figurines allegorically depict four human ages: in the first quarter of an hour before Death (depicted as a skeleton), a baby passes,

then a young man goes around the clock, then a mature man (warrior) and, finally, an old man,

who announces his death and the imminent appearance of the baby. Then the cycle of changing the four ages is repeated anew.

Every hour, the Angel turns the hourglass over, Jesus Christ appears and, to the sound of large bells on the tower, drives away the skeletal Death, not allowing it to mow the passing time. But the most important performance is played out to the audience only once a day. Every day at 12:30 everyone starts to move automatic watch devices. One angel rings the bell, and the other turns the hourglass over, and four characters, symbolizing the ages of life, alternately pass before Death.

The following scene is played out on the upper tier: Jesus Christ comes out, then the twelve apostles appear, bowing before his face; then, spreading its wings, a rooster crows and flaps its wings, announcing the denial of Peter.

Jesus blesses the figurines of the apostles three times, and then turns with a blessing to the parishioners. The performance is completed by ancient gods on elegant chariots - symbols of the days of the week. Diana is Monday, Mars is Tuesday, Mercury is Wednesday, Jupiter is Thursday, Venus is Friday, Saturn is Saturday, and Apollo is Sunday.

Unfortunately, the French Revolution did not spare this temple: many frescoes and sculptures were destroyed. In fairness, it should be noted that the bombing of the fascist aviation and the forces of the anti-Hitler coalition caused the greatest damage to the Strasbourg Cathedral.

The temple, which was built by the French together with the Germans, was partly destroyed by them .... The legendary tower survived, thanks to one talented and resourceful blacksmith, who after the destructive revolution made for it a protective cap made of the strongest metal.

Time passed, wars and hardships were left behind: after a thorough reconstruction carried out by the best specialists, the Strasbourg Cathedral appeared before the faithful and guests of the city in its original form.

Today, this asymmetric building is visited by thousands of tourists who want to see not only the astronomical clock, sculptures and other treasures, but also an amazing combination of French and German cultures.

Anyone can visit the Strasbourg Cathedral in France absolutely free of charge.

To come to Strasbourg and not visit its "heart" is an unforgivable mistake, because the great Hugo called it "a delicate and gigantic architectural marvel." He described it in his writings and Goethe, calling it nothing but the "tree of God"!

Every summer, in the evenings, a performance is organized in front of the cathedral: classical music is broadcast, and the cathedral itself is illuminated in different colors to match the music.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg (France) - description, history, location. Exact address and website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.

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For two centuries, Strasbourg's Notre Dame was the tallest cathedral in the world. This is one of the largest sandstone buildings in Europe. But what really strikes the imagination in the cathedral is not so much its size, but the amazing detailing of the decoration. It is hard to believe that such a perfect and carefully executed creation was created almost a thousand years ago.

The lacy surface is decorated with thousands of sculptures and decorative elements: gargoyles and mythical monsters, saints and rulers, allegorical figures, patterned rose windows and intricate ornaments.

There is a good chance that you will come to the cathedral across the bridge along Vie Marche aux Poissons, past the Historical Museum. In this case, Notre Dame suddenly and without any warning shocks tourists, showing up on the right hand in the perspective of the narrow Rue Mercier. On the right corner of this street stands a stunning white half-timbered house with intricately carved wooden sculptures. It also has a large souvenir shop.

The construction of the Strasbourg Notre Dame began at the turn of the millennium, although the cathedral was completed and expanded centuries later. The first building burned down in 1176, and construction in the new style continued from that same year for almost three hundred years. The vain desire of the Bishop of Strasbourg, under which the work was started, was to outdo the cathedral in Basel - I must say, in the end this happened thanks to the main facade.

The appearance of Notre Dame in Strasbourg today is typical of a Gothic French church and evokes associations with the cathedrals in Cologne and Ulm. The northern tower of the cathedral, completed in the middle of the 15th century, is over 140 meters high. The south tower was never completed, so the cathedral as a whole looks somewhat asymmetrical. But the carved western facade of Notre Dame in Strasbourg, which was created during the economic rise of the city, in the middle of the 13th century, later than the nave, is now perceived as the undisputed dominant of the entire structure. Its lacy surface is decorated with thousands of sculptures and decorative elements: gargoyles and mythical monsters, saints and rulers, allegorical figures, patterned rose windows and intricate ornaments.

Cathedral in Strasbourg

The interior of the cathedral is no less interesting than its exterior. Here you can see numerous beautiful and carefully executed stained-glass windows with classical subjects, a bright and richly decorated organ, as well as a special attraction - an astronomical clock of the 19th century. On New Year's Eve, their mechanism makes a full circle and shows which days of the next year the holidays with "floating" dates will fall. Inspection of the clock involves entering through a separate northern door, tickets are paid.

During the French Revolution, Notre Dame was badly damaged: not so much the building itself, but the elements of its decoration. Many beautiful statues were smashed (managers managed to hide and thus save only a few). In addition, the cathedral almost parted with the tower spire: too high, it seemed to run counter to the concept of universal equality. The ingenuity of the local blacksmith saved the spire: he came up with the idea of ​​turning it into a symbolic sign of freedom by placing a Phrygian cap on top - which was done.

The tower of the Strasbourg Cathedral can be climbed by stairs. This is what some historical figures did: for example, Goethe, Stendhal and Baron Küchelbecker.

The cathedral is an active Catholic church, and it is impossible for tourists to visit it during worship.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is a beautiful and majestic building, which for a long time was considered the tallest building in Europe. The highest part of the cathedral is the North Tower, 142 meters high, the construction of which was completed in 1439. It retained the title of the tallest building until the end of the 19th century. The southern tower of the cathedral was never built, so another distinctive feature of the already outstanding building is called its asymmetry.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1015. Scientists managed to establish that earlier there was an ancient Roman sanctuary at this place. The construction began in the era of Romanesque architecture, so this style is inherent in the earlier part of the cathedral, while the remaining parts are characterized by the Gothic style and an abundance of relief decor. The construction of the cathedral was carried out over several centuries, in the process there were interruptions caused by fire and the death of the bishop who financed the work (XI-XII centuries). Red sandstone from the Vosges was used as the main material. By the way, the cathedral is recognized as one of the largest world buildings made of this stone.

Among the architects of the cathedral was Ulrich von Ensingen, who participated in the construction of Ulm Cathedral. And the spire of the North Tower was built by the Cologne master Johann Hultz - perhaps that is why the features of the Strasbourg Cathedral are similar to the appearance of the cathedral in Cologne.

Of the decorations of the Strasbourg Cathedral, we note the sculptures of the triple portal, depicting Christian prophets and wise men. In the cathedral itself, a font of the 15th century, an old organ, tapestries are kept, the windows of the cathedral are decorated with exquisite stained-glass windows. One of the main attractions of the cathedral is called the astronomical clock. The very first mechanism was designed in the middle of the XIV century. In the first half of the 19th century, the clock was supplemented with a mechanism that showed the orbits of the Earth and other planets known at that time.

The Cathedral is located on the Cathedral Square, in the summer it becomes a participant in color and music shows.

Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, Cathedral of Strasbourg) (Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg listen)) is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the history of European architecture. From 1647 to 1874, the Strasbourg Cathedral was the tallest building in the world (then it was overtaken by the Church of St. Nicholas in Hamburg, as well as the cathedrals in Ulm and). The height of the cathedral tower with a spire is 142 m(today it is the highest cathedral in France after the 151-meter Rouen). The scale of the cathedral is amazing, but not overwhelming due to the Gothic lightness of construction and the thousands of sculptures on the facade. The cathedral seems to be taking off. It is no coincidence that the temple is called the soaring pink angel. From the outside, the building seems to be trimmed with lace, woven from reddish-brown sandstone.

1. The history of the construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral

1.1 History of Strasbourg Cathedral until the 15th century

In the place where the cathedral is located today, already in antiquity, during the time of Roman rule, religious buildings were erected. The first Christian church here was built at the end of the 7th century by the bishop of Strasbourg. St. Arbogast (Saint Arbogast). In the 8th century, under Charlemagne, it was replaced by a more imposing building (the patron of this church, Bishop Remigius of Strasbourg (765-783), in his will of 778 even expressed a desire to be buried in the crypt of this temple under construction). It was in this richly decorated building that the famous Strasbourg Oaths(treaty of February 14, 842, which is the oldest monument of the Old French language). This cathedral has repeatedly suffered from fires: in 873, 1002 and 1007.

In 1015 Strasbourg Bishop Werner(Vezelin) from the Habsburg family ( Werner von Habsburg) (1001-1028) and Holy Roman Emperor Henry II Saint together they lay the first stone in the construction of a new cathedral on the ruins of a Carolingian building. However, the cathedral, built in 1015-1028. V Ottonian style(the reign of the Ottonian dynasty covers the 10th - the first half of the 11th century), was destroyed in a fire in 1176(at that time, load-bearing structures made of wood were used). View of the cathedral in the Ottonian era, reconstruction (source:):

The current building of the Strasbourg Cathedral was built in the period 1176-1439. After the misfortune that befell the basilica of Bishop Werner, the new bishop of Strasbourg Heinrich I von Hasenburg (Heinrich I von Hasenburg) (1181-1190) decided to build a new cathedral on this site, which, according to his plan, was to surpass the Basel Münster. Construction was carried out on the foundation of the former church, laid by Bishop Werner. The eastern side of the cathedral, in particular the choir and the crypt, appeared first. If absolutely nothing has come down to our time from the first Christian church of the 7th century, then from the cathedral, built under Bishop Werner, we got a crypt and a transept. The western part of the crypt, the chapels of St. Andrew and St. John, the choir and dome, as well as the arms of the transept (transverse nave) belong to the Romanesque and transitional (from Romanesque to Gothic) period (1176-1245). If the first three columns of the transept still belong to the Romanesque style, then the fourth (Pillar of Angels) already demonstrates Gothic forms.

Strasbourg Cathedral, Romanesque crypt (source: ):

In the early 20s of the XIII century, sculptors were invited to Strasbourg from Chartres who were carriers of a completely new, gothic, style. So the cathedral, like, in fact, the whole of Alsace, became Fusion of German and French styles. This was manifested, in particular, in the fact that both red and blue (typically French) and green (typical for German cathedrals) colors were used in stained-glass windows.

Immediately after the completion of the choir and transept in the late Romanesque style, construction began on a new gothic central nave. This indicates close attention to the latest achievements of French architecture. From the old Romanesque nave at that time only the foundation remained. The central nave, built during the Eva phase (1235-1245 and 1253-1275), is a pure example french gothic. Stylistically, the transition between the various parts of the cathedral was rather subtle. The nave was erected on the foundations of the former building built in the 11th century. When planning the height of the central nave, the architect took into account the crossroads built earlier (the intersection of the main nave and the transept), which could not be exceeded. As a result, the central nave acquired proportions that are completely unusual for a Gothic cathedral: the width of the central nave in Reims is 30 m, and in Strasbourg - 36 m; the height of the central nave in Reims is 38 m, and in Strasbourg - 32 m. However, at the same time, the Strasbourg architect managed to create the most modern building for Germany of that era. Moreover, he not only borrowed the forms of French Gothic, but also developed them.

Construction facade Cathedral in Strasbourg began shortly after the completion of the central nave, in 1275. The facade noticeably surpasses the earlier parts of the building in scale, which makes it seem to the observer the main element of the entire construction of the cathedral. It is no coincidence that its construction began at a time when Strasbourg achieved economic prosperity, and the inhabitants of the city were freed from the power of the bishop (the magistrate began to manage the work). In the chronicles of that time, the cathedral under construction was sung as a sign of the coming golden age.

Original facade plan, developed Erwin von Steinbach(by Erwin of Steinbach) ( Erwin von Steinbach) (the so-called "Plan B", Project B), assumed two tiers (the second - with a very complex central rosette), three portals and two towers. Art critics recognize this project as a very extraordinary, separate and very talented. As construction progressed, Erwin made adjustments and added new details, developing first Plan C and then Plan D. However, in 1298, due to a fire, work was suspended and continued only in 1318, after his death Master Erwin. By this time, the second tier was already partially completed. Until 1339, Johann, the master's son Erwin, supervised the work. Then the construction was continued by the master Gerlach (Gerlach). In 1355-1365. he builds the third tier.

But at this time, the wave of enthusiasm associated with the final, as it seemed, stage of work, is fading away. Fear of an earthquake (in 1365 it suffered greatly due to tremors), financial difficulties, as well as human losses caused by the plague of 1349 - all these factors led to the refusal to build spiers. A new project is being developed, which provides for the creation galleries of the apostles above the central rosette and beffroy towers with lancet pommel. In 1365, both towers reach the level of the current observation deck (platforms at a height of 66 m), as a result of which the facade takes on a shape similar to the silhouette. But then the space between the towers was filled with the central beffroy tower, after which a bell tower was erected on the northern tower (34m + 66m = 100m), and a spire was erected on the bell tower (42m + 34m + 66m = 142m).

The following figure shows in stages the change in the architectural appearance of the cathedral as it was built (according to):

The question of what role he played in the design of the facade Erwin of Steinbach (Erwin von Steinbach), first mentioned in written sources in 1284, is still controversial. However, it is recognized by all that this facade, no matter who its author is, is the work of a very talented master, and in the highest degree original. Facade of Strasbourg Cathedral such a stunning impression is made that at first glance it may seem like a symbol of the true center of the entire Christian world.

In 1371 Gerlach's successor took over the management of the work. Master Conrad (Conrad), which creates a gallery of the apostles above the central rose window. After the death of master Konrad, the construction is led by Michael from Freiburg(Michel de Freiburg) ( Michaelvon Freiburg) (1383-1388). He erects the central beffroy tower - the middle part that filled the empty space between the two side towers. After that he finished his work Claus von Lohr (Claus von Lohre) (1388-1399). However, the resulting facade did not satisfy the members of the magistrate, and in 1399 they turned to Ulrich von Enzingen y ( Ulrich von Ensingen) (1399-1419), who begins to erect the spire. After the death of master Ulrich, the construction of the spire was completed Johann Hultz (Johann(es) Hultz). Detailed description of the tower and the history of its construction cm. below, in the section "". The stages of the construction of the tower of the cathedral in Strasbourg are clearly visible in the following diagram (source:):

View of Strasbourg Cathedral in the 15th century, engraving by Mikael Wohlgemuth ( Wohlgemuth) V Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) Hartmann Schedel, printed in 1493; probably the oldest known depiction of the cathedral (source: ):

1.2 History of Strasbourg Cathedral in modern times

In 1518 comes to Strasbourg Reformation. Lutheranism is rapidly spreading in the region thanks to the invention of printing and the active development of publishing. In 1524, the city finally accepted the new doctrine and the churches passed into the hands of the Protestants (the Cathedral of Strasbourg became Protestant in 1529). However, in 1549, by order of Charles V, Catholic worship was restored in Strasbourg Cathedral for a period of about ten years, until 1561. Then the cathedral again became Protestant. And in 1681, Strasbourg goes to France and the cathedral, and at the same time forty more churches, are returned to the Catholics. During the turbulent period of the Reformation and the Wars of Religion, the cathedral lost its usual patron (the Catholic Church), which led to the impoverishment of its decoration.

During the Revolution, the cathedral suffered new losses. 230 statues were damaged (fortunately, 67 of them were hidden and saved by the Board of Governors). And in 1793, the revolutionaries demanded the destruction of the cathedral spire, which, with its extraordinary height, contradicted the mood of universal equality. One resident of Strasbourg, a blacksmith named Zultzer ( Sultzer), found a subterfuge: he convinced the revolutionaries that such a prominent peak as the spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral, visible for many kilometers in the Rhine Valley, can be used as a symbol, notifying everyone around that this region is now a land of freedom. To demonstrate this, the blacksmith suggested putting a huge Phrygian cap on top of the tower. And so it was done. The spire was saved.

In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, the roof and spire of the cathedral were damaged. In 1944, during the American bombing, the central tower and the northern side nave were badly damaged. But after the restoration work, the original appearance of the cathedral was restored.

Plan of Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, on which all main building elements of a gothic cathedral(narthex, central and side naves, crossroads, transept, as well as facade portals) (according to):

The following figure shows the chronology of the stages of construction, which are marked on the plan of the cathedral with different colors (also according to):

2 Exterior decoration of the Strasbourg Cathedral: description. towers

2.1 Spire tower: forever alone

Of all the elements of the external decoration of the temple, it stands out especially tower with spire. Of the two planned towers, as is known, only the first was built. More than four centuries passed from the laying of the first stone to the moment when the tower with the spire marked the end of construction: the only (northern) tower of the cathedral dates back to 1419–1439.

The construction of the facade and towers (of which two were then planned to be built), as we already know, was started Erwin von Steinbach (Erwin von Steinbach): the legendary master supervised the work from 1284 to 1318. Master Johann Gerlach (Gerlach) (1341-1371) erected towers to the level of the platform (observation deck, 66 m). Michael von Freiburg (Michaelvon Freiburg) continued to work, and in the 1380s the central beffroy tower already towered over the rose window. Master Ulrich von Enzingen (Ulrich von Ensingen) (who also built the tower of Ulm Cathedral) by 1419 reached the base of the octagonal spire. Then, after the death of Enzingen, the work was taken over by Johann Hultz (Johann(es) Hultz) (1419-1449), master from Cologne. He completely revised the design and instead of building a rather simple spire, designed by Erwin von Steinbach, he built a very complex structure in which each of the eight faces bears six small spiral staircases, continued by four other stairs and, finally, crowned with a pommel with a cross. At the base of the spire are sculptures of a bear and a bull looking at the sky. Also here are the statues of Our Lady and a mere mortal, the architect Ulrich von Enzingen.

It was Hultz who crowned the building with an openwork pyramidal spire. The spire, rising 142 m, was completed by Hulz in 1439. The magistrate was very pleased with Hulz's work. He saw in the giant tower not just the crowning part of the cathedral, but also a symbol of the power and greatness of Strasbourg. It should be noted that in 1261 the city of Strasbourg opposed the prince-bishop and, having expelled him, became a republic, so that, starting from that time, the city council took control of the construction of the cathedral. Thus, unlike most other church towers and spiers, which usually glorify the power of the local clergy, the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral has always been an expression of the power of the republic established in the city.

So, north tower was crowned with a spire in 1439. The second tower was never built (despite the abundance of relevant projects) - most likely due to lack of funds (although, in addition to the financial reason, it is sometimes said that by the 15th century, when the Renaissance began, the Gothic style and, accordingly, tall towers with spiers simply fell out of fashion; in addition, there was a more prosaic reason associated with the unsteadiness of the soil and the risk of tilting or even collapse of the entire structure in the event of the construction of a second tower; in 1530 an attempt was made to build a small trial tower, but during the storm of 1533 it collapsed, and this failure strengthened everyone in the idea that the cathedral should be left unchanged). Starsburg Cathedral. Engraving by Isaac Brunn ( Isaac Brunn), 1615 (source: ):

Good weather makes sense climb the tower(Today Observation deck located at a height of 66 meters, and until the end of the nineteenth century it was allowed to climb to the very top of the spire). To do this, you will need to overcome 328 steps, but you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the sights and surroundings of Strasbourg, the Vosges and the Black Forest. Many famous people have climbed the tower, including Goethe (when he was a Strasbourg student, he regularly climbed here to overcome his fear of heights) and Stendhal, as well as famous Russians. Here, for example, are the memories left by Kuchelbecker on this score: “Strasbourg lies low; but around it the whole sky is lined with mountains: from the side of Germany, the Black Forest, from the side of France, the Vosges ridge. From the height of the cathedral of Munster, these mountains present a delightful sight: I saw them in the sun; the distant white Vosges shone; the dark blue wooded Black Forest, the closer, the more approached the color of lilac, and finally the whole amphitheater of cities, villages and vineyards covering it, appeared to my gaze covered with a veil of reddish smoke" [see. Kuchelbeker V.K. Travels. Diary. Articles. L., 1979. S. 36-37].

Victor Hugo described his impressions of visiting the observation deck in the following way: "The whole of Strasbourg spreads under your feet, the old city with large roofs, dormer windows of churches and towers, somewhat reminiscent of the picturesque city of Flanders."

2.2 Crossroad tower: recent addition

The neo-Romanesque tower, rising above the intersection of the central nave and transept, was added relatively recently, in 1874. Until the 18th century, there was a Gothic-style pommel, which was subsequently destroyed by lightning. The destroyed turret was replaced with a flat roof, on which an optical telegraph was installed. And in the 19th century, a French architect Gustave Klotz (Gustave Klotz) built the tower we see today.

Gustave Klotz was the chief architect of the entire department of the Bas-Rhin. From 1837 to 1880 he was actively engaged in building and restoration activities in this region. In particular, he owns a plan for the restoration of the church of St. George in Celeste.

The following figure shows various stages of construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral(scheme based on):

3 Exterior decoration of the Strasbourg Cathedral: description. Portals.

3.1 South facade Strasbourg cathedral. His portal

4.1 Choir, chancel

Late Romanesque choir, which houses altar, is located on a hill, because it is located above the ancient crypt. It is decorated with frescoes from the 19th century. In style, the vault of the choir resembles Byzantine; it is even compared with the throne room in.

In the center of the altar is modern stained glass, depicting the Mother of God, in whose honor the Strasbourg Cathedral is consecrated. This stained glass is the work of an artist Max Engrand (Max Ingrand), was donated by the European Council to the cathedral in 1956. On the stained glass window (source:) you can see twelve stars European flag on a blue background (blue is the color of the Mother of God). The baby Jesus holds in his hand a lily flower - the symbol of the city of Strasbourg.

Fifteen tall oak trees are installed in the choir. armchairs relating to 1692. The benches were created by carpenters Claude Bourdi ( Claude Bourdy) and Claude Berger ( Claude Bergerat) and sculptor Peter Petri ( Peter Petri) and are classified among the historical monuments of France.

In 2004, the choir began to be refurbished to better comply with the reforms approved at the Second Vatican Council, and in November the new choir was lit with a ceremony. The fact is that recently Catholics have been striving to make the church more open, focusing on a more active participation of the people in worship and closer communication between priests and parishioners. In this regard, in the Strasbourg Cathedral, they tried to eliminate all the elements of decoration that prevented the visual contact of the priests with the flock: in particular, a bulky staircase was removed, and a ramp leading from the depths of the choir with a slight slope was built and new furnishings were installed for worship.

4.2 North transept arm

4.2.1 Hot tub

On the left side, on the eastern side of the sleeve, an ancient Romanesque niche of St. Lawrence has been preserved. The capitals of the columns are decorated with figures of fantastic animals.

In the niche today is old font of 1453 made by the master Jodoc Dotzinger (Jodoque (Jost/Jodocus) Dotzinger). The font is distinguished by its elegant elaboration and is a real masterpiece of flaming Gothic. For some unknown reason, the font has not an eight- (as was customary), but a heptagonal shape. Unfortunately, during our visit to the cathedral, the font was poorly visible because of the bars.

4.2.2 Garden of Gethsemane

Opposite the font, on the western side of the sleeve (across the wall from the St. Lawrence Chapel), there is a monumental sculpture depicting the prayer of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and the scene of Christ being taken into custody. This sculptural composition was originally intended for the cemetery at St. Thomas Church, and in 1667 was moved to the cathedral.

The figures of Christ and the three apostles are carved from sandstone, the rest from plaster. The author of the composition created in 1498 is Veit Wagner (Veit Wagner).

Towering over the stage in the Garden of Gethsemane missionary cross (la Croix de Mission). Its history is as follows: in 1825, the then Bishop of Strasbourg Taren decided to arrange a so-called "mission", namely to organize a whole week of worship, prayers, sermons, etc., which pursued a double goal: firstly, to atone for the sins and mistakes committed in the previous revolutionary period, and secondly, to raise the level of "evangelization of the population." At the closing ceremony at the end of this church week, a monumental cross was erected in the Cathedral Square of Strasbourg in memory of the missionaries who preached in non-Christian countries in the 16th century (the cross was erected on the very spot where in 1793 the revolutionaries burned liturgical books and church utensils).

After the revolution of 1830, when Louis-Philippe I ascended the throne, the new authorities demanded the demolition of the Crucifix, since its presence in the public square was "an attack on the freedom of conscience of citizens." But the royalists, supporters of the abdicated Charles X, protested. Heated debate ensued. The archpriest of the cathedral suggested a compromise: let the cross be moved inside the cathedral, and then the faithful would be free to worship it. So the missionary cross was transferred to the northern part of the transept, where it remains to this day.

In the same part of the church there are two ancient altar. First, polychrome, carved in wood altar of St. Pancras (Retable de Saint Pancrace) dates from 1522 and was moved to the Strasbourg Cathedral from the church of the Alsatian town of Dangolheim ( Dangolsheim). The altar is decorated with sculptures of St. Pancratia, St. Catherine and St. Nicholas. On the side wings are scenes of the Nativity and the adoration of the Magi. The predella (i.e. the lower part) of the altar is decorated with reliefs with busts of Christ and the apostles.

The second ancient polychrome wooden altar depicts St. Rocha, St. Mauritius and St. Nicholas:

4.3 South transept arm

4.3.1 Column of Angels

In the interior of the south transept arm is Pillar (Column) of Angels (Pilier des Anges) created OK. 1230 masters of the Parisian region (Ile-de-France). Octagonal barrel with connected columns decorated twelve statues, which together make up the system of characters doomsday, hence the other name of the column - the Column of the Last Judgment ( Pilier du Jugement Dernier).

In the lower zone, the columns are placed four evangelists with scrolls in hand. They stand under canopies, leaning on pedestals designed as capitals decorated with buds and young leaves.

Pipes are blown in the middle zone four angels of doomsday:

In the upper zone sits Christ surrounded by three angels holding the tools of the Passion: a crown of thorns, a spear (not preserved), nails and a cross. Photos from the site:

Demonstrating the wound on his side, Christ raises his left hand; here it is not a gesture of blessing. Under the capital on which his throne stands, figures of resurrected people are placed; they pray to Christ himself, for the intercessors (Mary and John) are not included in this composition. Photos from the site:

There is a direct iconographic connection between decor and Column of angels. If on the portal the reconciliation of the Church and the Synagogue at the end of time is about to take place, but in the interior the moment of the second coming of Christ and Judgment Day has already come. These two ensembles are also stylistically related. All the statues, both outside the cathedral and in the interior, are tall and graceful. Robes with many finely drawn folds look light and almost transparent.

Finally a few details Columns of angels: larger images of an angel with a cross and Christ (