Strasbourg Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
A Gothic masterpiece in pink sandstone with a single 142-meter tower. It was once the tallest building in the world, and it houses a Renaissance astronomical clock.
Construction of Strasbourg Cathedral began in 1015, and its Gothic main body was completed in 1439. Built from the pink sandstone characteristic of the Vosges Mountains, its north tower rises 142 m. From 1647 to 1874 it was the tallest building in the world, and Victor Hugo called it “a vast and exquisite marvel.” The west façade is covered in openwork carvings that look from a distance like lace woven from stone. Must-sees inside include the astronomical clock in the south transept (the surviving mechanism was built between 1838 and 1843). Every day at 12:30 it presents a parade of the Twelve Apostles and a crowing rooster. Tickets cost about 4–5 euros, and you should queue early. Also look for the 12th-century stained-glass windows, the “Angel Pillar” sculpture, and the Gothic pulpit. A climb of 332 steps leads to an observation platform 66 m up, with views over the city and the Black Forest (about 8 euros). In summer, the façade is often lit up in a light show at night. The cathedral itself is free to enter, but visits are suspended during religious services. Getting there: it's a 5-minute walk from the Langstross/Grand'Rue stop on tram lines A and D, or about 20 minutes on foot from the train station.
Opening hours
Approx. 8:30–11:15 am and 12:45–5:45 pm (open Sunday afternoons); astronomical clock show at 12:30 pm
Nearby sights
- Maison Kammerzell
- Palais Rohan
- Batorama Boat Tour
- Musée Alsacien
- Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)
- Place Kléber
- St. Thomas Church, Strasbourg
- Place de la République & Neustadt