About Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg):
Built on the earlier foundation of a church that burned down in the 12th century, The Strasbouirg Cathedral was begun in 1176, but not finished until 1439. It is the work of a succession of about 50 master builders. One of its features is a tall spire (466 feet). which was the world’s tallest until 1874. Its 460 foot-high spire was the highest monument in the world from 1647 until 1874, and its height makes it the second-tallest cathedral in France after that of Rouen. It is a masterpiece of grace and lightness The spire can be seen from all over town. A matching second tower was planned but was never built, out of fear that it would place too much stress on the foundation.
The Cathedral survived the French Revolution, the Franco-Prussian War, World War I, and World War II.
The Astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral:
Similar to the astronomical clock in Prague, the astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral is a Renaissance masterpiece, the result of the combined work of Swiss clock-makers, sculptors, painters and automaton designers all working together The current mechanism dates from 1842.features a perpetual calendar (including a computus), an orrery (planetary dial), a display of the real position of the Sun and the Moon, and solar and lunar eclipses. Every day at noon the clock strikes and there is a procession of the 18-inch high figures of Christ and the Apostles, while the life-size cock crows three times.
Every day at half-past noon, its animated figures which come out to delight the public every day at half past noon. During this performance, visitors are treated to views of the different ages of life, personified by a child, a teenager, an adult and an old man, who all parade past Death. Higher up, the apostles have their own parade, before Christ. Their journey is accompanied by the beating of wings and the sound of a large cock crowing. In front of the Clock visitors can admire the huge Pillar of Angels which offers a highly original representation of the Last Judgment.
Here is Youtube video of the astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral as it marks the time
The stained glass windows in Strasbourg Cathedral:
The cathedral’s interior features magnificent stained glass windows: 80 percent are original, dating from the 12th to 15th centuries. The Cathedral’s windows were saved from the destruction of World War II in a series of moves; first hidden by the French in southwestern France; then stolen by the Nazis and taken to northern Germany; and finally, saved and returned by the Monuments Men (British and American troops dedicated to returning art to its rightful place after 1945).
The Advent Tapestries in Strasbourg Cathedral:
The Cathedral also houses the famous Advent tapestries of Strasbourg cathedral. Commissioned by Richelieu, they were originally intended for Notre Dame. They tell the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary up to the birth of Jesus and are normally displayed beginning in Advent, as you might guess from their name, and running through January 6 (Epiphany).
Traveling to Strasbourg Cathedral in Strasbourg, France:
Address: Pl. de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France
Click here for thew official website of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg.