Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg)
Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, Grand Est
The Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or simply, Strasbourg Cathedral) is the second most-visited cathedral in France, after Notre Dame in Paris. Up to 4 million people visit each year to admire its 465-foot (142-meter) spire and dramatic red facade sculpted from Vosges sandstone.
The UNESCO-listed cathedral dates back to 1015, but the majority of the structure was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Admire the 12th-century stained glass windows and magnificent 18-meter-tall astronomical clock, then climb the 300-step spiral staircase for a stunning view of the city.
Full-day tours of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île (the city’s historic center) include the cathedral along with other top attractions, such as the Rohan Palace. Some tours go farther afield, heading through the Black Forest to Lake Mummelsee and the Kurhaus casino in the spa town of Baden-Baden. You can also explore the city on a bicycle, take a boat through the canals, or opt for a gastronomy-focused tour and try local Alsatian specialties.
There is an admission fee to see the astronomical clock and the viewing platform.
The church is wheelchair accessible, but the viewing platform is not.
The Strasbourg Cathedral is a place of worship; please maintain a respectful attitude when visiting.
Strasbourg Cathedral is located at Place de la Cathédrale on the east side of Grande Île, in central Strasbourg, and is walking distance from many of the city’s other major attractions. To reach the site via tram, take the the A or E to the Langstross Grand'Rue stop or the B, C, or F to the Broglie stop; both are about a 5-minute walk from the cathedral. Driving is not recommended in the Grande Île as the streets are very narrow and parking is limited.
The cathedral is open daily from morning until evening. Strasbourg is a great place to visit at any time of year. Peak seasons are June–August, when the city hosts a number of outdoor festivals, and around Christmastime, when everything is festooned in lights and the city hosts one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.
The Grande Île—the historic center of Strasbourg—is an island separated from the rest of the city by the River Ill and the Canal du Faux-Rempart. This UNESCO-listed area is home to the majority of the city’s top attractions, including the cathedral, the Rohan Palace (Palais Rohan), the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the picturesque La Petite France, a neighborhood full of canals and half-timbered buildings.
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