The first place I just had to see was the spectacular Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Construction of the cathedral began in 1015 and finished in 1439. However, most of it was destroyed by a fire in 1176 and so construction of the present day cathedral actually started then. Located in the heart of the historical center of Strasbourg, it is said to be a masterpiece of Gothic art. I could have spent hours just walking around the outside of it, looking at all the hundreds of amazing sculptures that seem to leap out at me from the wall, and watching the pink sandstone change colors depending on what time of day it was. But alas, I had to move on and get myself inside. Here's a picture of some of those statues I was so taken in by. And another picture of the cathedral.
While inside the cathedral I made sure to see the astronomical clock, which is a Renessaince masterpiece, the result of the combined work of artists, mathemeticians, and technicians. I was lucky enough to be there at 12:30 pm, which is the time of day in which animated figures come out of the clock to entertain the spectators. (http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/article.php?id_article=148&lang=en )It was a delightful performance and I was glad I was there for! Having been thoroughly entertained by the clock, I decided it was time to make the trek up the 332 steps up the spiral staircase to the platform of the cathedral, where I enjoyed some amazing panoramic views of the city. (http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/article.php?id_article=152&lang=en)
After climbing all those steps, I was ready for lunch, but also, ready to see more of what Strasbourg had to offer. So, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and head to The Kammerzell House. One of the most famous structures in Strasbourg, and one of the most ornate and well preserved, it was a must see for me. Especially knowing that it houses one of the best places to eat in town. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kammerzell_House) While there I enjoyed a wonderful meal, and even tried duck liver and frog legs for the very first time! Here's a picture of the house. And part of my lunch. Yumm.
My next stop was The Petite French Quarter: "The district on the waters." Said to be the most picturesque district in Strasbourg, I knew I couldn't miss it. It is located on the Grand Isle or Main Island where the river Ill splits into a number of canals. The canals wind through a number of small are of medieval half-timbered houses and baroque sandstone buildings. These houses date back to the 16th and 17th century when they housed fisherman, tanners and millers that lived and worked there. (http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/article.php?id_article=155&url_ret=rubrique.php?id_rubrique=25&lang=en). While there I stopped in at many of the little shops there and bought some great souveniers for home.
After my day of sightseeing in Strasbourg, I decided to stay at the Kammerzell house hotel for the night, since I like it so much. After climbing the 16th century staircase, I was surprised to be staying in a contemporary style bedroom, overlooking the city, with the cathedral looking down on me.
| Our XVIth century spiral staircase is all that is between your plate and you pillow. |
No comments:
Post a Comment