The Church With So Much Visitors

A very tall building with a clock on it's face

The Church With So Much Visitors

March 12, 2025

The Church With So Much Visitors

The

a large cathedral with a green roof under a cloudy blue sky — Strasbourg Cathedral, officially Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of Strasbourg, Alsace, the cathedral was completed in 1439 and remained the tallest building in the world until the 19th century. Its stunning façade, adorned with intricate sculptures, and its soaring 142-meter (466 ft) spire make it a breathtaking sight.

has both a fraternal association and a museum that have contributed to its protection since the late 18th century. It is a Gothic-style structure, characterized by a vaulted roof with pointed spires, a spacious interior, high ceilings, slender columns, and abundant stained glass.

A bit of information to learn more about Strasbourg Cathedral. Built in the 11th century on the ruins of another church; by 1220, the Strasbourg Cathedral was “renovated” in Gothic architecture, but the construction continued until… 1365. The cathedral was only able to build one bell tower, 142 meters high, which is among the tallest in the world, looking very unbalanced and disproportionate compared to cathedrals with two bell towers like the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.

According to the introduction on the rue89strasbourg.com website, the clock was built in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations, the most recent being in the 19th century. Its mechanism is said to be unique, consisting of multiple dials and displays, such as a perpetual calendar and screens showing the positions of the sun and moon.

Back then, visitors had to queue to get tickets, which cost 2 euros. The cathedral advises visitors to line up before 11:30, waiting until the doors open. When entering, guests will still have to stand and observe, taking photos of the clock.

Then the church shows a 20-minute video about the history and operation of the clock; guests have to stand and watch. At 12:30, the astronomical clock activates; the machine starts moving automatically. An angel will ring the bell, then twelve apostles will walk by, in front of Jesus Christ. Right below them, faces representing the stages of life before a person passes away appear.

According to Lu Nhat Phuong, a friend living in Paris who visited Strasbourg this Christmas season, “now the cathedral no longer sells entrance tickets; tourists can freely enter to admire the astronomical clock.” However, if you want to climb to the top of the cathedral to enjoy the panoramic view, you have to buy a ticket.

Tickets building — For Strasbourg Cathedral
– Main Entrance: Free
– Astronomical Clock Show: Around €4 (includes access to a special area for viewing)
– Tower Climb (332 steps for a panoramic view): Around €8 for adults, discounts for students and children.

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