Things to do in Strasbourg

No visit to Strasbourg would be complete without exploring the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most stunning examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral’s towering spire, which reaches a height of 466 feet, was the tallest structure in the world until the 19th century and remains the tallest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages. The cathedral’s intricate facade, adorned with statues and detailed carvings, is a masterpiece of Gothic artistry, and its interior is equally impressive, with soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a grand organ.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral is the Astronomical Clock, a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship that dates back to the 16th century. The clock features a complex mechanism that displays not only the time but also the positions of the sun and moon, the day of the week, and the liturgical calendar. Every day at 12:30 PM, the clock’s automated figures come to life in a fascinating display, drawing crowds of visitors to witness the spectacle.

The clock as it stands today is the third version, with the first clock dating back to the early 14th century.

The First Clock (1352-1354)

The earliest astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral was constructed between 1352 and 1354. This clock was a significant achievement of its time, combining a mechanical timepiece with astronomical displays. However, very little of this original clock remains, as it eventually fell into disrepair and was replaced.

The Second Clock (1547-1574)

The second version of the Strasbourg Cathedral Astronomical Clock was created during the Renaissance, a period that saw a renewed interest in science and the arts. This clock was built between 1547 and 1574 by a team of skilled craftsmen and scientists, including mathematician Christian Herlin and clockmaker Conrad Dasypodius, who led the project. Dasypodius was responsible for the design, while the clock’s mechanical components were crafted by the Habrecht brothers, Isaac and Josias, who were renowned clockmakers from Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The Renaissance clock was celebrated for its intricate design and the inclusion of complex astronomical and calendrical functions.

This version of the clock was a marvel of Renaissance engineering, featuring a planetary dial, a calendar, and an ecclesiastical computus for calculating the date of Easter. The clock also included an automaton parade of the apostles, marking the hour with a rooster crowing and the apostles moving in procession. Unfortunately, this clock eventually stopped working around 1788 and was left in a state of disrepair for several decades.

The Third Clock (1838-1843)

The current version of the Strasbourg Cathedral Astronomical Clock, which still operates today, was built between 1838 and 1843. This clock was designed by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué, a Strasbourg-born clockmaker and engineer. Schwilgué was a highly skilled technician who had dreamed of building a new astronomical clock for the cathedral since his youth.

Schwilgué’s clock is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering and a symbol of the Industrial Revolution’s influence on clockmaking. It features a perpetual calendar, a planetary dial showing the positions of the planets, a display of solar and lunar eclipses, and the official time. The clock also includes a liturgical calendar, marking feast days and religious observances, and an impressive array of automata, including the famous rooster that crows at noon.

Schwilgué’s clock is noted for its precision and complexity. It was one of the most advanced astronomical clocks of its time, combining art, science, and religion in a single, harmonious structure.

Inside this magnificent structure, a dedication plaque honors the bravery and sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought to free Strasbourg from Nazi occupation in November 1944.The plaque serves as a quiet yet powerful reminder of the cost of freedom, set within the context of a cathedral that has witnessed centuries of European history.

During World War II, the American servicemen played a crucial role in liberating Strasbourg and preserving its historic cathedral from potential destruction. In late 1944, as the Allied forces advanced through France, the city of Strasbourg became a strategic objective due to its location and symbolic significance.

Strasbourg had been under German occupation since the fall of France in 1940, and as the Allies pushed toward the city, there were fears that the retreating German forces might destroy key landmarks, including the Strasbourg Cathedral, as part of a scorched-earth policy. The cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and one of the most significant religious buildings in Europe, held immense cultural and historical value.

The American 7th Army, under the command of General Alexander Patch, was tasked with liberating Strasbourg. On November 23, 1944, after intense fighting, American forces successfully liberated the city, ensuring that the Strasbourg Cathedral was spared from destruction. The swift and strategic actions of the American servicemen prevented the Germans from carrying out any plans to damage or demolish the cathedral, thereby preserving this iconic structure for future generations.

The liberation of Strasbourg and the preservation of its cathedral stand as a testament to the bravery and skill of the American forces, who recognized the importance of protecting cultural heritage even amidst the chaos of war.

Click here for directions to Strasbourg Cathedral.