Strasbourg Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic art built in pink Vosges sandstone, Strasbourg Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) dominates the city with its single 142-metre spire — which made it the tallest building in Christendom until the 19th century. It stands at the heart of the Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting there

By train: Strasbourg station (TGV from Paris in about 1 hr 50), then a 15 to 20-minute walk or tram (lines A and D, Langstross/Grand'Rue stop; or Homme de Fer). By car: the city centre is largely pedestrianised — use the park-and-ride car parks (P+R tram) on the outskirts. The cathedral is very easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the historic centre.

History

Built mainly between the 12th and 15th centuries, the cathedral was completed in 1439 with its north spire. The west façade, adorned with thousands of statues, is attributed in particular to the master builder Erwin von Steinbach. The building harmoniously combines the Romanesque style (choir) and Gothic (nave and façade).

Culture & stories

Don't miss the astronomical clock, whose current mechanism dates from 1842: every day at around 12:30, the procession of the apostles comes to life before Christ. Admire too the famous Pillar of Angels and the great organ suspended like a swallow's nest.

Visitor tips

Entry to the nave is free. The climb to the viewing platform (more than 330 steps) is charged and offers a panorama over the city, the plain and the Vosges. In December, the cathedral is the centrepiece of the Christmas Market in the self-styled “Capital of Christmas”.

Location