European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 12, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Cathedrals notre Dame the heart of Strasbourg is sure to impress even seasoned travellers by Steve scholar staff writer the jewel in Strasbourg s Crown is cathedrals notre Dame the gothic and Rhineland style Cathedral which lies at the very heart of old Strasbourg took More than 263 years to Complete. Construction began in 1176 and successive generations of Strasbourg Bishops saw it through to completion in 1439. The Tower was the last part of the Cathedral to be completed. In the 14th Century Bishops contemplated building a second Matching Tower but decided against it. After viewing the 470-foot Cathedral Tower from virtually anywhere in the City the three distinctive portals on the front facade Are the first View you will see if you approach from the a a Southwest. Cathedral photographs May be Best from this Angle. The right Portal shows the parable of the Wise and foolish virgins and the left Portal depicts virtue defeating vice. A wonderful Rose window lies above the Center Portal. The window is bordered by statues of the 10 prophets with the window spandrel depicting the new testament. Although Many of the lower statues above the portals have been replaced the upper level of the Cathedral contains Many Fine originals. Magnificent 13th and 14th-Century stained Glass windows flank each Side of the Interior which is shaped like a latin Cross. The windows numbering More than 4,600 panels depict the religious and secular history of the City. The Interior length is More than 340 feet and includes five chapels for worship. The Nave begun in the 13th Century has seven Bays and is More than 100 feet High a Large Organ built into the upper left level of the Cathedral supplies timeless music that promises to transport you Back to the 15th Century when the Organ was built. Arguably the highlight of the Cathedral s Interior is the astronomical clock. The clock was built in the 15th Century by Das podium a Man known As the archimedes of Strasbourg. The clock whose original timekeeping mechanism was replaced after the French revolution is 36 feet wide and 53 feet tall. It tells the time in seven a woman tights a Candle in the Cathedral notre Dame. Ways year Date local Sun time official time Sun time a liturgical calender and a copernican planetarium. At 12 30, a Liturgy of animated figures goes into action playing out an allegory a death strikes the hour Christ blesses the apostles and the cock crows to Mark Peter s denial. Plan on spending an hour to an hour and a half to see the entire Interior of the Cathedral. On your Way out you can climb 300 Steps in the Cathedral Tower to get a great panoramic View of Strasbourg. The climb will Cost 7 French francs and is not recommended for Small children or those not used to Tough physical exertion. A amps photos by John Bohmer scenes from inside from left religious figures atop a Tower the Nave a statue of Mary and Jesus the Organ hangs from the Wall and the Entrance s archway showcases new testament figures 14 stripes Maga Ine november 12, 1992 november 12, 1992 stripes Magazine 15