A single 142-metre spire that made this the tallest building in the world for over two centuries, rose-pink sandstone facade carved in a density of detail few Gothic cathedrals attempt, and inside, the astronomical clock that draws a crowd every day at half past noon for its mechanical procession. Goethe climbed the spire as a student; the view from the platform still explains why he bothered.
Location
Place de la Cathédrale
Grande Île, Strasbourg
Grande Île, Strasbourg
gothicastronomical-clockunescospire-climblandmark
Map
Insider Intel
Don't Miss
Time the visit for the astronomical clock's 12:30 procession, then climb the platform for the Rhine-plain view.
Best Time
Morning for the interior light through the rose window; 12:30 sharp for the clock.
Know Before You Go
The clock procession runs once daily at 12:30 and requires a separate small ticket — buy it in advance from the south portal in high season.