Planning a visit to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral? Here’s all the information you need about this historic monument!
A visit to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must when visiting the great Alsatian city. Described by Victor Hugo as a prodigy of the gigantic and the delicate, this Gothic masterpiece stands out for its height, with its majestic bell tower. Whether you’ve come to discover the legends that surround this exceptional historical monument, admire the variations of light on its pink Vosges sandstone, or observe its architecture, this visit should win you over.
So, what should you know before visiting Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral? What is its history? How can you prepare for your visit? Tickets, prices, timetables, tips… we’ve put together all the information you might need during your visit!
History of Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Kelin
Notre-Dame de Strasbourg was built on the remains of a former cathedral. The monument was built over almost three centuries (1015 – 1439). In 2015, the Cathedral celebrated the 1000th anniversary of the laying of its foundation stone, by the Bishop of Strasbourg and Emperor Henry II. This makes it the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world. It was designed to make the city of Strasbourg a beacon of Christian Europe in the Middle Ages.
The master craftsmen behind its construction achieved a feat of engineering. This masterpiece of medieval architecture has been restored many times since. What’s more, the Strasbourg landmark was the world’s tallest Christian building until the 19th century. Notre-Dame, a symbol of Strasbourg and Alsace, can be seen from afar!
Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral has belonged to the state since the French Revolution. Catholic worship was temporarily banned by Hitler at the start of the Second World War, until the city was liberated in 1944. Today, with 4.5 million tourists a year, it is the second most visited cathedral in France after Notre-Dame de Paris.
Our tips for visiting Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral
To help you prepare for your visit, here are some useful tips and information:
- We recommend that you visit Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral in the late morning or early afternoon, so that you can watch the film on the astronomical clock at 12:00 pm, followed by the Parade of the Apostles at 12:30 pm (except Sundays).
- Summer is an excellent time to discover the Cathedral, because from July to August, it is animated by a sound and light show every evening. Perfect for admiring every detail of the façade!
- The platform may be temporarily closed due to overcrowding (more than 100 people) or dangerous weather conditions.
- The Cathedral offers disabled access via the north side door. However, the platform is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Ready for a trip back in time? Download the Strasbourg Cathedral VR application and contemplate a panorama of the city in 1490 and 1730 thanks to 3D reconstructions!
What to do when you visit Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alexander Kazarin
The exterior façade
A visit to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral begins even before you step through the door. You can spend hours gazing at its facades, adorned with remarkable sculptures that bear witness to its history through the ages. These include three richly decorated portals, a large number of statues and a sublime rose window 14m in diameter, located above the central entrance. At the top of its unique bell tower, an impressive spire rises 142 metres above the ground, outlining the Cathedral’s silhouette.
The interior
Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral houses a number of jewels in its nave. These include the Pillar of Angels, depicting the Last Judgement, the pulpit of the great preacher Geiler de Kaysersberg, stained glass windows dating from the 12th and 14th centuries and a monumental organ.
But the one that particularly catches the eye is a curious astronomical clock created in 1574. Described as a masterpiece of horology and mathematics, it indicates the time, calendars and astrological data. The clock’s automata and the parade of the Apostles can be seen every day at 12.30pm.
The platform
Visitors to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral can access a platform 66m above sea level. After climbing 330m, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Vosges mountains, the city’s skyline and the Black Forest. It’s also the best place to admire the monument’s bold spire and copper roofs.
The Crypt and Chapelle Sainte Catherine
The Crypt is an 11th-century underground church that houses the bishops’ vault. It reveals the remains of the Romanesque edifice on which the Cathedral was built. The Chapelle Sainte Catherine was built around 1340 within the Cathedral. It houses magnificent statues dating from the 14th century.
Please note: due to the State of Emergency, the Crypt and Chapelle Sainte Catherine are temporarily closed to visitors.
How much does a ticket to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mihai-Bogdan Lazar
The Cathedral
Access to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is free during opening hours, except during services. However, admission to the astronomical clock is subject to a charge:
- Normal price: €2
- Reduced rate (groups of 12 or more and children aged 6 to 18): €1.50
- Free for children under 6
The platform
- Regular price: €8
- Reduced rate (groups of 12 or more and children aged 6 to 18): €5
- Free for children under 6, people with disabilities…
Are there guided tours of Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / travelview
From March to December, guided tours of Strasbourg’s Old Town and Notre-Dame Cathedral are regularly organized by the city’s tourist office.
Alternatively, audiophones can be hired from Batorama, the boutique in Place de la Cathédrale, or directly from the Batorama website.
Are there combined tours with other Strasbourg monuments?
Planning to visit the city over several days? The Strasbourg Pass may be of interest to you! It entitles you to a wide range of free services and discounts, including a reduced rate for climbing up to the platform of Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s available from the city’s Tourist Office, and costs :
- 22€ for adults
- 15€ for 13-17 year olds
- 10€ for children
Opening hours
The Cathedral
Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is open to the public every day of the year, except January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Monday to Saturday :
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- 11:30am – 12:30pm for Horloge ticket holders (Saint-Michel gate)
- 12.45pm – 5.45pm
Sundays and public holidays:
- 11:15am – 12:00pm: access possible in the narthex / no presentation of the Clock
- 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
The platform
The platform at Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is open every day except January 1, May 1 and December 25.
- April 1 to September 30: 9:30 am to 8 pm (last lift at 7:15 pm)
- October 1 to March 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last lift at 5:15 p.m.)
How do I get to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral?
To get to Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, in the heart of the city, you have several choices:
- Bicycles: you can rent bicycles on the Velhop website and park easily nearby.
- Streetcar: with Tram A and D (Langstross Grand’Rue stop, in the heart of Strasbourg) or with Tram B, C or F (Broglie stop)
For more information, please visit the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois website! The platform is accessed from the south via Place du Château.
Where can I park near Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Coming to Strasbourg by car? To avoid the city center, you can park your car in one of the park-and-ride lots on the outskirts of the city, with direct access to the streetcar. Alternatively, you can park just a few steps from Notre-Dame Cathedral:
- Gutenberg (2 min)
- Austerlitz (5 min)
- Boatmen (7 min)
Where to stay near Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral?
If you’re planning to stay in Strasbourg for several days, we recommend you stay in the Grande Île area, right in the city center. Most of the city’s historic monuments, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, are located in this area. It’s also Strasbourg’s most popular tourist district, and offers a wide range of accommodation options.
To find your ideal hotel at the best price and close to the Cathedral, we invite you to consult the site of this hotel comparator. If you prefer to stay with a local, who can sometimes be less expensive, you should find what you’re looking for on Airbnb!