Are you planning to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg? Here are all the useful information on this historic monument!
Visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a must during a stay in the great Alsatian city. Qualified prodigy of the gigantic and delicate by Victor Hugo, this Gothic masterpiece is imposed by its height with its majestic bell tower. Whether you come to discover the legends surrounding this exceptional historical monument, admire the variations of light on its pink sandstone of the Vosges, or observe its architecture, this visit should seduce you.
So, what should we know before visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg? What's his story? How to prepare for his coming? Tickets, rates, schedules, tips... we have compiled in this article all the information that might be useful to you during your stay!
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History of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Kelin
Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is based on the remains of an ancient cathedral. The construction of the monument spread over nearly three centuries (1015 – 1439). In 2015, the Cathedral celebrated the 1000 years of laying its first stone, by the bishop of Strasbourg and the emperor Henri II . It makes her the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world. It was designed to radiate the city of Strasbourg on Christian Europe in the Middle Ages.
The masters of works at the origin of his construction have made real technical achievements. This masterpiece of medieval architecture has been restored many times since. In addition, the Strasbourg monument is the world’s highest Christian building until the 19th century. Our Lady, symbol of the Strasbourg identity and Alsace, is visible from a distance!
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg belongs to the State since the Revolution. The Catholic worship was provisionally banned by Hitler at the beginning of the Second World War, until the liberation of the city in 1944. Today, with 4.5 million tourists a year, it is the second most visited cathedral in France after Notre-Dame de Paris .
Our tips to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg
To prepare your visit, here are some useful tips and information:
- We recommend visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg in late morning or early afternoon, in order to be able to attend the screening of the film on the astronomical clock at 12:00, then at the parade of the Apostles at 12:30 (except Sunday).
- Summer is an excellent time to discover the Cathedral because, July to August, the latter is animated by a sound and light every night. The ideal to admire every detail of its façade!
- The platform can be temporarily closed due to excessive flooding (over 100 people) or dangerous weather conditions.
- The Cathedral offers a disabled entrance by the northern side door. However, the platform is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Ready for a time trip? Download the VR Strasbourg Cathedral app and contemplate a panorama of the city in 1490 and 1730 thanks to 3D reconstructions!
What to do during your visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alexander Kazarin
The exterior façade
The visit to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg begins before even passing the door. Indeed, you can spend hours watching its facades decorated with remarkable sculptures that testify to its history through the epochs. One can admire, among other things, three portals richly decorated, a large number of statues and a sublime 14m diameter rose, located above the central entrance. At the top of its unique bell tower, an impressive arrow peaks at 142 meters from the ground, drawing the figure of the Cathedral.
The inside
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg houses many jewels in its nave. Among them we can cite the Pillar of the Angels, representing the Last Judgement, the chair of the great preacher Geiler de Kaysersberg, stained glass windows from the 12th and 14th century or a monumental organ.
But, the one that particularly attracts attention is a curious astronomical clock created in 1574. Qualified as a masterpiece of watchmaking and mathematics, it indicates time, calendars, as well as astrological data. One can observe his game of automates and the parade of the Apostles, every day at 12:30.
The platform
A platform located at 66m altitude is accessible to visitors to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg. After climbing 330m, you access a breathtaking view of the Vosges, the roofs of the city and the Black Forest. It is also the best place to admire the bold arrow and copper roofs of the monument.
La Crypte et la Chapelle Sainte Catherine
The Crypte is an underground church of the 11th century, in particular the cave of bishops. It allows you to discover the remains of the Romanesque building on which the Cathedral is built. The Chapel of St.Catherine was built around 1340 in the Cathedral. It houses beautiful statues dating from the 14th century.
Note: Due to the State of Emergency, the Crypte and the Chapel of St. Catherine are temporarily closed to visitors.
How much does a ticket cost to the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mihai-Bogdan Lazar
The Cathedral
Access to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is free during opening hours, outside the offices. However, the presentation of the astronomical clock is a fee:
- Regular rate: 2€
- Reduced rate (group of more than 12 persons and children aged 6 to 18): 1,50€
- Free for under 6 years
The platform
- Regular rate: 8€
- Reduced rate (group of more than 12 persons and children aged 6 to 18): 5€
- Free for persons under 6 years of age, persons with disabilities...
Are there guided tours of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / travelview
March to December guided tours of the old city and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg are regularly organized by the Tourist Office of the city.
Otherwise, audiophones are for rent in Batorama, the shop in the square of the Cathedral, or directly on the website of Batorama.
Are there visits combined with other monuments in Strasbourg?
Are you planning to visit the city for several days? The Strasbourg Pass You may be interested! It allows you to enjoy many free services or discounts, including the reduced price for the climb to the platform of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg. It is available at the Tourist Office of the city, and sold at the price of:
- 22€ for adults
- 15€ for 13-17 years
- 10€ Children
Opening hours
The Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg is open to the public every day of the year except January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Monday to Saturday:
- 8:30 – 11:15
- 11h30 – 12h30 for the holders of a ticket for the Horloge (grille Saint-Michel)
- 12:45 – 17:45
Sundays and holidays:
- 11:15 – 12:00 : possible access in the narthex / no presentation of theHorloge
- 13:30 – 17:30
The platform
The platform of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is open daily except January 1, May 1 and December 25.
- 1 April to 30 September: 9.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last climb at 7.15 p.m.)
- 1 October to 31 March: from 10am to 6pm (last climb at 5:15pm)
How to get to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg?
To access the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, in the heart of the city, there are several choices:
- Bicycle: it is possible to rent bikes on the Velhop site and park easily in the vicinity
- Tram: with the Tram A and D (Langstross Grand’Rue, in the heart of Strasbourg) or with the Tram B, C or F (Burglie stop)
For more information, do not hesitate to consult the website of the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois! Access to the platform is to the south by the castle square.
Where to park near Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg?
Are you coming to Strasbourg by car? To avoid the city centre, you can park your vehicle at one of the relay car parks located near the city with direct access to the tram. Otherwise, you will find parking lots just steps from Notre-Dame Cathedral:
- Gutenberg (2 min)
- Austerlitz (5 min)
- Bworkshops (7 min)
Where to stay near Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg?
If you plan to stay in Strasbourg several days, we recommend you to stay in the Greater Island area, right in the city centre. Most of the historical monuments of the city, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, are in this area. As for the most tourist area in Strasbourg, the offer of accommodation is important and varied.
To find your ideal hotel at the best price and close to the Cathedral, we invite you to visit the site of this Compare hotels . If you prefer accommodation at home, sometimes less expensive, you should find your happiness on Airbnb !
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