Notre-Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg's landmark

Numerous religious buildings were erected on the very site of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame cathedral, which we know and admire today.

It was first a Roman sanctuary dedicated to the god Mars in ancient Roman times, then a cathedral, built on the structure of a temple dedicated to the Blessed Virgin at the end of the 7th century by Bishop Arbogast. In the 8th century, it was replaced by a larger building of Carolingian architecture, which burnt down three times, finally giving way in 1015 to a new cathedral in the Ottonian style (the origin of the Romanesque style), which in turn burnt down in 1176.

As the backlash did not seem to weaken the faith of the successive bishops, the construction of a fourth cathedral was commissioned around 1176 by Henri de Hasenbourg, the new bishop of Strasbourg. This perseverance finally bore fruit, as this fourth structure, built over several centuries until 1439, is the one that can still be seen today.

With its 2,500,000 visitors, the monument is one of the most visited in France. Before the terrible fire that ravaged Notre-Dame de Paris in 2019, it was the second most visited religious building in France. The building is a tribute to the Virgin Mary and, more broadly, has become the symbol of Strasbourg.

Built from pink Vosges sandstone, it took over 3 centuries to complete. The exterior façade is truly breathtaking. The multitude of figures and the sculpted details are well worth a look.

Not to be missed when visiting the cathedral are the exterior facades and the three-storey nave, which at 63 metres long is one of the longest in France. The stained glass windows date from the 13th and 14th centuries, and most of them are original. Take a moment to admire the monumental swallow's nest organ on the north side of the nave.

Impossible to miss, its colours catch the eye of even the most dazed visitor. Just next door, the supremely magnificent ornamental rose window floods the nave with light. Built in a circle, it represents a perfectly symmetrical geometric figure.

The astronomical clock is a true masterpiece. Housed in a Renaissance sideboard, its mechanism dates from 1842.

No wonder the basilica is so coveted. After a very close poll, the building was voted France's most beautiful cathedral by Facebook users in 2019. It beat its French cousins to the post, particularly the building in Reims. The vote carried out on the humorous page Memes décentralisés pour provinciaux et francophones oubliés (Decentralised Memes for Forgotten Provincials and Francophones) has no legal value, however. Nevertheless, the Alsatian city was delighted with the distinction, which highlights its heritage *: "We are all very proud of this designation, which is totally deserved,"* explains Alain Fontanel, first deputy mayor. Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is more than just a cathedral. It is the \symbol of our city and of a large part of our history" he stresses.

In addition, every evening in July and August, a sound and light show magnifies the architectural details of the west façade.

A Strasbourg institution, the Tire Bouchon is located right next to the cathedral in the historic district of the Christmas capital. The restaurant serves typical dishes such as simmered pork cheek, the famous sauerkraut or braised knuckle of pork. All accompanied by an excellent wine list. An address not to be missed.

📍 Address: place de la cathédrale, Strasbourg

👛 Price: free

⏰Opening times :

• Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 11.15am and 12.45pm - 5.45pm.

• Sundays and public holidays 2pm - 5.15pm

👉 Other information:

People with reduced mobility can get around easily thanks to the access ramp.