Notre Dame Cathedral
This is one of Strasbourg most picturesque monuments and dates back to the Middle Ages.
It, like Strasbourg itself has had several owners becoming Protestant controlled after the
Reformation but returning to Catholic ownership after Louis XIV took possession of the city
in 1681. The cathedral is constructed of pink limestone. The spire at 466 feet and completed
in 1439 was the highest in Western Europe until the 19th century. It is now the highest still-
standing medieval tower in the world. The interior is not particularly interesting but the
nave is majestic, with windows depicting kings and emperors. There is also a Romanesque
crypt that lies under the chancel. The cathedral is well worth visiting just to see the stone
built rose window in the façade which has the delicate appearance of lace. The cathedral is
also noted for its astronomical clock (built between 1547 and 1574) and crowds gather daily
at 12.30 to watch the figure of a cockerel flap its wings before the stages of life depicted by
child, boy, adult and old man moving towards death. The body of the clock features a
planetarium based on the theories of Copernicus. The clock may be viewed up close but
tickets are limited. There is no admission charge to the cathedral but visits are not permitted
during services. The cathedral platform contains excellent views over Strasbourg but the 332
steps mean it may be daunting to the unfit. There is a standard charge of euro3 for a visit but
there are student and group discounts.
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