It's impossible to visit Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, without marvelling at this magnificent monument.
In the heart of Strasbourg Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a majestic testament to Gothic art. Its silhouette, dominated by a vertiginous spire, stands out against the Alsatian sky, inviting passers-by to contemplate. A veritable picture book carved from pink Vosges sandstone, it reveals to those who know how to look, the biblical stories, allegories and symbols of a bygone era.
In this sanctuary where the gigantic rubs shoulders with the delicate, each stone, each stained glass window, each sculpture tells a story. Follow us on a guided tour where the past becomes the present, where the monumental embraces the meticulous.
Strasbourg Cathedral
There's so much more to say about this magnificent building...
Art and history buffs could spend all day just discovering every detail, story and legend.
Among the must-sees are the following.
The rose window
The jewel in the crown of Strasbourg cathedral's facade, the rose window is fascinating for its sheer size and finesse. With its impressive 14-meter diameter and 16 petals, it is purely ornamental, reflecting the power of the city at the time.
Gothic work by the architect Master Erwin de Steinbach, It appeals to tourists and Alsatians alike.
The astronomical clock
Inside, the astronomical clock stands as a monument to human genius. Created in 1574, it combines Renaissance art, science and technology.
Its highly sophisticated mechanism dates back to 1842.
Every day at 12.30 pm, you can see a variety of automata come to life: adults, old men, apostles...
The pillar of angels
Opposite the astronomical clock: the pillar of angels! A masterpiece of medieval sculpture, its rich iconography is a real eye-catcher. Illustrating the Last Judgment, it summons a celestial assembly in a whirlwind of stone. The abundant details invite meditation on human destiny, between hope and redemption.
The platform
The ascent to the platform offers a journey through the bowels of the cathedral. Climb the 330 steps and enjoy the view as you take in the city of Strasbourg and the Alsace plain.
The panorama, at almost 66 meters high, is a hymn to beauty, an invitation to capture the immensity of the landscape and the delicacy of architectural details.
Ah, how beautiful Alsace looks from up here!
Breathtaking view of the city and the Alsace plain
From the platform, the world seems to be at your fingertips. Strasbourg unfurls its winding streets and glazed-tile roofs before your eyes, while farther away, the Alsace plain stretches out, a lively patchwork of villages, fields and forests.
Further still, the Vosges on one side, the Black Forest on the other.
It's a constantly renewed spectacle, where each season dresses the region in a new coat.
A historic site steeped in myth and legend
Strasbourg Cathedral is also a treasure trove of legends. Between tales of builders, patron saints and mythical creatures, the walls seem to whisper echoes of a mysterious past.
There are many legends surrounding the cathedral: an underground lake, a secret passageway leading to a nearby house, or the legend of the devil trapped in the cathedral...
No panels, no signs, no brochures... Do you really want to discover the cathedral and all its secrets? THE solution is a guided tour with a passionate guide.
Architectural prodigy
This monument, which took three centuries of hard work, is a testament to human perseverance and talent. The single, unduplicated spire, the pinnacle of Gothic elegance, defies the sky, while the statuary and stained-glass windows illustrate man's ability to create beauty from raw material. Strasbourg Cathedral is a dialogue between the earth and the divine, between man and his aspiration to the infinite.
Guided tour with your guide
To fully appreciate the richness of Strasbourg Cathedral, a guided tour is a must. Your tour guide, a true history and art enthusiast, will help you discover the secrets of this Gothic masterpiece.
From the symbolism of the sculptures to the history of the stained glass windows and the anecdotes of the builders, each commentary enriches your experience, turning your visit into an unforgettable moment.
As the tour unfolds, let yourself be guided by the stories, The cathedral is a symbol of Alsace's capital city. Strasbourg Cathedral is the true symbol of the Alsatian capital. It stands proudly amid ancient half-timbered houses.
Here's a list of must-see items for your visit:
- The arrow an architectural feat that reaches 142 metres into the sky!
- The large rose window A wealth of absolutely incredible ornamentation.
- The astronomical clock a Renaissance masterpiece combined with a precision mechanism.
- The Pillar of Angels A carved painting of the Last Judgement.
- The platform a breathtaking panorama of Strasbourg and beyond.
In search of spirituality, history or simply beauty, Strasbourg Cathedral awaits you, an open book on centuries of faith, art and human ingenuity.
Would you like to book a guided tour of Strasbourg Cathedral? Would you like to take other tours in Alsace?
Contact us for more information. Guides Tourisme Services is an agency specializing in sightseeing tours throughout France, led by tour guides.