Strasbourg Cathedral Our Lady Hearing Prayers

by Nadalyn Larsen

Title

Strasbourg Cathedral Our Lady Hearing Prayers

Artist

Nadalyn Larsen

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is a Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. The original church was built in the Romanesque architectural style. In the 13th century a Gothic style building was to be attached to it. Since many of the original Romanesque features remain, it is considered Rayonnant Gothic architecture. The construction of the cathedral began in1015 and was finished in 1439. The building is 466 feet tall. From 1647 to 1874, 227 years, it was the tallest building in the world. Currently it is the 6th tallest church in the world and the tallest still standing complete structure built completely in the Middle Ages. It is built of red sandstone, giving it an unique appearance. The delicate features of the exterior give it a lacey affect. The interior has some unusual aspects not seen in any other church I have visited, such as an elaborate floor to ceiling astronomical metal clock and cloverleaf shaped columns adorned on all sides and their entire height with statues. Some of the unique features are metal and are brightly painted, as opposed to the dull stone of most church statuary. The clock has been a work in progress. The first clock was built in 1352. It was revamped and enlarged, until the current clock was completed in 1842.
The city of Strasbourg is in the Alsace region of France which sits on the border with Germany. Over the centuries, claim to the Alsace has shifted back and forth between the French and Germans, giving it a mixed identity of cultures. There is a lot of German influence in the architecture, food, and customs. Many people of the region speak both French and German. The Ill, a tributary of the Rine, river runs through the city. Original photo by Nadalyn Larsen.

Uploaded

July 29th, 2023

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