Strasbourg Cathedral

About this place

Strasbourg Cathedral developed from Romanesque beginnings into a major Gothic monument, with construction extending into the 15th century. Its distinctive single spire reflects changes to earlier plans that envisioned a different western front. This makes the familiar silhouette a record of decisions taken by successive generations of builders. Look at the intricate façade and then step back to see how it relates to the tower above. The cathedral illustrates how a large medieval project could retain a strong identity even when its design evolved over a long period of time.