151. Europe Bicycle Trip--Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg

In the center of old Strasbourg is Strasbourg cathedral or Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Strasbourg, Alsace, France. Building started in 1015 and ended in 1439. Although considerable parts of it are still in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered to be among the finest examples of high, or late Gothic architecture. Erwin van Steinbach is credited for major contributions from 1277 to his death in 1318. At 142 meters, it was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874.
  Today it is the 6th tallest church in the world and highest still standing structure built entirely in the middle ages. Sandstone from the Vosges Mountains used in construction gives the cathedral it's characteristic pink hue. From the observation level, one can see 30 km. which provides a view of the Rhine banks from the Vosges Mountains all the way to the Black Forest. During the years , it has passed from Catholic to Protestant hands and back to Catholic. The cathedral was hit by British and American bombs during air raids and the last repairs from that damage were completed in the early 1990's.

The west facade is so high that my camera can not fit it all in.

Silver in perspective of the cathedral.

Figures from main portal of west facade

West facade viewed from Rue Merciere

In side the main center part of the cathedral

A lofty ceiling

An invalid looking for donations

I am very small in comparison to even a small portion of the entrance.

This lady was nice enough to take my photo several times.

Flying buttresses on the south side

The Palais Rohan is part of an adjacent complex of buildings from the 18th century.

Palais Rohan

The museum of Our Lady

The museum is the building on the left center.

Ornate work on the corners of the museum

These men were playing in the square to make money. I have a video of myself dancing by them after I gave my donation. I donate and dance at every musical presentation during my trip.

This carousel was not running this early in the day.

By the Commerce building is a statue of Johannes (Jean) Hultz, the architect of the octagonal top of the cathedral.

A very beautiful canal scene as I left the centrum of Strasbourg.

I asked a passerby to take my photo there.

A signpost showing distances to some faraway places.