In the center of Strasbourg is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. Built during 1176-1439, the cathedral is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
What makes the cathedral unique is its size and color. The cathedral is the sixth tallest church in the world, with its spire rising about 460 feet. During the French Revolution, a group of revolutionaries proposed demolishing the spire as a symbol of inequality. Another group of citizens, wanting to save the spire, crowned it with a large, tin Phrygian hat painted red. The Phrygian hat, or libety hat, was worn by the revolutionaries. The spire was saved.
The cathedral's color is different than most cathedrals we have visited in France. The cathedral has a pink hue since it is built with sandstone from the nearby Vosges mountains.
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| A view of the cathedral's front |
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| A view of the cathedral's southern side |
The main entrance of the cathedral is imposing.
The exterior of the cathedral includes two clocks--a mechanical clock for daily timekeeping and a group of sundials for keeping track of the time and seasons.
The cathedral's interior is impressive in size and decoration. The nave is tall and wide, and the side aisles are likewise wide.
A lovely rose window decorates the front of the cathedral, while large tapestries line the nave.
A lovely mosaic adorns the dome over the altar, and a large advent wreath with candles was hung for the season.
Other decoration includes beautiful stained-glass windows and an ornately painted organ high above the nave.
Below is another view of the advent wreath, organ and rose window.
During the Christmas season, the cathedral erects several scenes depicting the Christmas story, from the Annunciation to the Presentation.
The cathedral houses a clock, with chimes and moving figures, that tells the time and the seasons.
Click on the video below to hear and see the clock in action.
If you want to learn more about the clock, click here.
The cathedral also displays some artwork. Below is a wood carving from 1946 that was recently painted.
Another display features two modern works by a regional artist.
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