Strasbourg Cathedral is an extraordinary masterpiece of late Gothic design. The distinctive pinkish hue and intricate detailing of its monumental sandstone façade make it stand out from the buildings surrounding it. Inspect one of the largest astronomical clocks in existence inside and climb up 332 steps to reach the cathedral’s viewing platform.
Look at the gigantic structure from afar. Reaching 466 feet (142 meters) at its highest point, the cathedral was once the world’s tallest building. Although it was surpassed by Hamburg’s St. Nicholas' Church in 1874, Strasbourg Cathedral still remains one of the tallest churches in the world.
Stand in in front of the church and survey its ornate façade. Les Misérables author Victor Hugo once described the cathedral as a “gigantic and delicate marvel.”
Join the many visitors who pass through its large portal every year to explore the interior. Look for the 59-foot (18-meter) tall astronomical clock inside. The clock dates back to the 1800s and is renowned for its complex system. Wait until 12:30 p.m. to witness automatons emerge from it for what is known as the “Twelve Apostles parade.”
Don’t miss the cathedral’s marvelous stained-glass windows, which light up the interior. These windows date from between the 12th and 14th centuries.
The cathedral is also known by other names, including Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Strasbourg Minster and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. There is an admission fee to see the astronomical clock and to ascend the tower. Children are entitled to discounts. The church opens daily from morning until late afternoon year-round. Visits are not allowed while services are taking place.
Strasbourg Cathedral is just north of the Ill River in the center of the city, just over 15 minutes from the Gare de Strasbourg-Ville station on foot. Many other important structures, such as the Rohan Palace, which contains the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts, are less than 5 minutes’ walk away.
