Strasbourg Cathedral Notre Dame

The Strasbourg Cathedral Notre Dame is the most iconic landmark in Strasbourg, France

Like many people, the first time I saw the Cathedral in person was also the first time I visited Strasbourg. It’s kind of the main attraction!

The Strasbourg Cathedral is also arguably the most iconic landmark in all of Alsace, France. This historic masterpiece of Gothic architecture celebrated its 1000th birthday in 2015, and evokes a sense of wonder to all who behold her.

Initially conceived in 1015 in the Roman style, it stands today as a stunning piece of Gothic architecture, with soaring spires and detailed masonry. The red sandstone body of the Strasbourg Cathedral was drawn directly from the nearby Vosges Mountains, carted in over the course of four centuries.

Today, it is the 2nd tallest church in France, and the 6th tallest church in the world

It is also perhaps most recognizable for its one spire instead of two. In fact, the original church was planned with two, however, the ground proved too unstable to complete this plan.

At its tallest point, the Strasbourg Cathedral spire soars to 466 feet (142m). Visitors can ascend the 330 stairs to the panoramic viewing platform. On a clear day, you can see for miles and the panoramic view allows you take in Germany’s Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains that typify the Alsatian region.

Fun fact: In Medieval Times, this platform was used as a public rendez-vous for picnics and social gatherings!

Today, the entrance fee is 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for students and children. Pro tip for those wanting to take memorable photos at the top: dress for wind and bring sunglasses if it’s sunny!

If you’d just like to go inside the Strasbourg Cathedral, entry is free! Simply line up outside so that security can check your bag (if you have one) and proceed inside. The enormous, stained-glass rose window featured on the exterior blooms through the darkened interior. Make your way around counter-clockwise, and be sure to stop in the far-right (South) corner.

Inside the Strasbourg Cathedral is the Astronomical Clock. The current version is the third, and was principally designed by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué, a local Strasbourgeois and famous French engineer and inventor

Together with his son, Charles, Jean-Baptiste created and patented a key-driven calculated machine. This is thought to be just the third in existence at the time, and revolutionized clock making.

A true testament to mathematical brains and craftsmanship, this clock was designed by Swiss watchmakers, sculptors, painters, and automaton designers. For those in the know, this magnificent mechanism tells you the relative positions of the sun and moon, solar and lunar eclipses, as well as a perpetual calendar and planetary dial. If you’re like me and it’s all babbledeegook to you, you’ll still want to check out the automaton show every day at 12:30 pm!

Many seasonal events also take place at the Strasbourg Cathedral

Summer lights show (scheduled for July 2021)

Every summer in July, the city of Strasbourg organizes a gorgeous lights show that follows a predetermined thematic. In French, this show is called the “Spectacle Estival” and the details of the 2021 show are still forthcoming (and will most likely depend on the Covid-19 situation).

The World Famous Christmas Markets

“In a normal year, Strasbourg has eleven (!!) Christmas markets going on all at once. A major one is, of course, on Place de la Cathédrale.

As the largest city and capital of the Grand Est region, Strasbourg also claims the largest and oldest Christmas market in France, earning it the nickname “the Capital of Christmas.”

In 2020, the markets were canceled entirely. It was very obviously the right move (Covid-19 infections were soaring right before the markets would have opened), but the energy and joy the markets bring was sorely missed.

Below is a photo collection from Christmas markets from 2019, followed by a couple of photos from this year. Fingers crossed that enough of the population is vaccinated by the end of November so that we can enjoy a real Christmas in Strasbourg.
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