Cathedral
of Notre-Dame
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, built on the foundations of an Early
Romanesque church begun in 1015, has long been famed as one of the noblest
achievements of Western architecture, which reflects the whole range of
styles from Romanesque to Late Gothic (12th-15th C). The west front
(1277-1318) was the work of Master Erwin of Steinbach and his successors;
the delicately articulated octagon of the north tower (1399-1419) was
built by Ulrich von Ensingen of Ulm, the openwork spire by Johannes Hoeltz
of Cologne (1420- 1439). In 1793, 235 statues and countless ornaments fell
victim to the fanaticism of the French Revolution. There was even a
proposal to demolish the spire, since it towered above other buildings and
thus offended against the principle of equality; but saner counsels
prevailed, and the spire suffered nothing worse than having a lead Jacobin
cap set on its tip. The cathedral itself became a "Temple of Reason". In
1878-1879 a Romanesque dome was built over the crossing.
Strasbourg Cathedral - South Doorway
In the tympanum of the doorway in the south transept of Strasbourg's
cathedral are representations of the Coronation and Death of the Virgin (the
latter being original) which rank among the highest achievements of
medieval art. On either side are two other masterpieces, the famous
allegorical figures of the Church and the Synagogue (by a German sculptor,
ca. 1230). Built on to the end of the north transept is the chapel of St-Laurent
(1495-1505), with a magnificent Late Gothic facade.
Tanner's
Quarter
North-west of St-Thomas is the old Quartier des Tanneurs (Tanners' Quarter),
with picturesque half- timbered buildings lining its narrow streets, an
area known as "Little France" (Petite France). In Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes
is the old Gerwerstub or Maison des Tanneurs (restaurant). Farther south-west
are the Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges), four bridges, formerly roofed,
over the Ill, which is here divided into four arms. Four of the town's
medieval defense towers are also preserved here. The best view (and also a
fine view of the town) is to be had from the Grande Ecluse, a dam built by
Vauban.
North of the Ponts Couverts, on the western edge of the old town, is the
church of St-Pierre-le-Vieux (14th-15th C.). From the south side of the
church the old-world Grand' Rue leads back to Place Gutenberg.
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Cathedral
of Notre-Dame
Tanner's
Quarter
