Dive into the ancient secrets of the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral and let yourself be captivated by the mysteries that hide behind its ancestral stones. An epic exploration awaits you in the heart of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture, where stories and legends intertwine to reveal a fascinating past. Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the hidden treasures of this emblem of Alsatian history.
Admire the ballet of automata from the astronomical clock
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg houses an astronomical clock that is a true masterpiece of the Renaissance. Besides its aesthetic beauty and impressive size, this clock fascinates with its technical prowess. But did you know that every day at precisely 12:30 p.m., it offers an astonishing automata show? For about 3 minutes, animated characters such as the old man, death, the apostles, Christ, and a majestic rooster come to life and begin to move. This unusual spectacle will leave you speechless and in awe of such perfection.
Feel the devil’s steed brush by you
When you go to the forecourt of the Strasbourg Cathedral, you can feel a persistent wind that seems to surround the building. According to legend, this wind is none other than the devil’s steed. It is said that the devil entered the Cathedral to find representations of himself and was trapped inside the holy place. Since then, his steed has been running tirelessly around the Cathedral, waiting for its master’s return. While scientifically, this phenomenon could be explained by the shape and height of the Cathedral, the legend adds a touch of mystery to this experience.
Find the cathedral’s mascot
While exploring the Strasbourg Cathedral, you can admire the magnificent lace stone pulpit built in the 15th century for Jean Geiler, a great preacher and religious writer. At the base of the pulpit, look carefully and you will find a small dog leaning against it, with its head and front paws sticking out. According to the stories, this is said to be Jean Geiler’s dog, who waited patiently for his master during his sermons. It is even said that a stroke on its head would bring good luck, although the sculpture is now damaged by time.
Scan the balcony for the man
As you approach the Pillar of Angels, a representation of the Last Judgment, linger on the man leaning on the singers’ tribune. Several legends surround this sculpture. The most famous tells that, at the time of the construction of the pillar, a man doubted its solidity under the weight of the vault. Annoyed by his doubts, the sculptor and master builder, Erwin de Steinbach, decided to sculpt this man and attach him to the railing to give him eternity to wait for the pillar’s fall. This intriguing sculpture testifies to the meticulousness and humor of the artists who participated in the construction of the Cathedral.
Marvel at the stained glass of a hundred faces
During your visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral, do not miss the side chapels where you can discover many hidden treasures. Among them, the stained glass of a hundred faces is a must-see. Located in the Sainte-Catherine chapel, this stained glass stretches nearly 9 meters high and consists of two vertical windows. Depicting a Christ in bright and vibrant colors, this stained glass hides an incredible composition of 150 photographs of anonymous men and women. You’ll also find other photographic elements, such as landscapes, plants, and flowers, that add a contemporary dimension to this work created by Véronique Ellena, a plastic artist, and Pierre-Alain Parot, a master glassmaker.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg is much more than just a historical monument; it is filled with mysteries and captivating stories. By exploring these well-kept secrets, you will discover another dimension of this emblematic building. Whether by observing the ballet of automata from the astronomical clock, feeling the presence of the devil’s steed, searching for the cathedral’s mascot, contemplating the man on the balcony, or admiring the stained glass of a hundred faces, every visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral is a unique and fascinating experience. So do not hesitate to embark on the discovery of these hidden mysteries and let yourself be amazed by the grandeur and beauty of this architectural gem.
