Any review of the architecture of Strasbourg would be incomplete without mentioning Strasbourg Cathedral, Palais Rohan, Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum, Observatory of Strasbourg, Palais du Rhin and many others. The virtual flight over these monuments in HD (the video is on the left), the photo galleries of Strasbourg, and the most interesting facts about every sight – we have carefully prepared lots of useful information for you. The overview architecture map of Strasbourg at the bottom of the page will help you not to get lost in your sightseeing routes of Strasbourg. So, let’s go!
Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» The big limestone building impresses with a thoroughly designed pattern on the facade. The surface is decorated with multiple sculptures: fabulous beasts, apostles, rulers, secret symbols. 
Facts:» Round windows are decorated with sophisticated ornaments. Paintings on stained glass windows depict Biblical scenes. Attention was given to each element.
» The history of the cathedral goes back to almost 1 000 years. Over the centuries, the Strasbourg House of God has been rebuilt and enlarged. Upon the order of the bishop, the building must be inimitable. So, architects have made it possible.
» The 140-meter tower was completed in the 15th century. The staircase leads to its top. Poet Goethe, writer Stendhal, and Decembrist Küchelbecker climbed the tower once.
» The other tower skyscraper has not been completed. The cathedral looks asymmetric due to its distortion.
» In the weekend morning, Gregorian chants are held here. During concerts, you can listen to organ music.
» The interior is so perfect, as the exterior.
» The clock of the 19th century is very impressive. At 12 o’clock in the New Year, its hands turn a complete circle ad point public holidays of the next period.
Palais Rohan, Strasbourg
Location on the map: Facts:
» The building that has a cultural and historical value is important for both the city and the region. Upon the order of the Cardinal, the residence suiting his status was built for his needs in the middle of the 19th century. Facts:» The palace required a huge area. That is why the residential block was demolished.
» Many heirs of de Rohan, prince de Soubise, preferred to live here. Members of the Royal Family also stayed here. In 2009, the audience with French and US Presidents was held here.
» In the palace, there were university classes and museum exhibitions at one time.
» The Rohan Palace was damaged significantly by the bombing (1944-1945). It was restored only in 50 years.
» The entrance dome is supported by big columns. Outer walls are made of pink and yellow sandstone blocks. The interior is decorated with sculptures and flowerpots.
» On one side of the palace, its facade points at the river embankment.
» In the rooms, you can see collectible canvasses of artists from the Museum of Fine Arts. At the upper level of the construction, there are also pieces of art: ceramic items, delicate accessories, antique furniture. The museum is proud of winding dolls.
Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum, Strasbourg
Location on the map: Facts:
» The museum is two spacious constructions of 14th and 16th centuries. They are linked by a gallery. Facts:» The Musee de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame (of the Mother of God) is aimed at telling about the foundation and development of the Cathуdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.
» The first sector presents the fragments of the preserved cathedral with sculptures. There are also drafts of the church.
» The other sector will tell you about the masterpieces of ancient people constructing the church: sculptures, stone and wooden panels, and interior elements.
» They are unique because masters could cut a big statue of the solid piece of the plant.
» Some exhibits are over a thousand years old. Multiple artifacts of the collection represent medieval household items. Some articles have been brought from other churches.
» The museum has extraordinary stained glass windows of the 11th century. It is as bright as many years ago.
» You can see antique furniture of the past and decorated household items. Inlaid pieces of furniture have been preserved and require special care.
» The architectural style of the church is extraordinary because the manifested different faiths.
Observatory of Strasbourg, Strasbourg
Location on the map: Facts:
» If you want to know what ancient devices help study cosmic bodies and how people explore the space, you should visit the Observatory of Strasbourg. Facts:» At the lower level, there is the “Star Basement”. There is the collection of the first devices that helped people view space objects: telescopes, astronomic and navigation devices, mechanisms, a simulative celestial sphere, and devices determining the height and the distance between celestial objects.
» In 1870, the observatory was equipped with a 50 cm telescope, the biggest one at that time. However, its power was enough only for viewing comets and some stars.
» Due to technological progress, astronomical devices have been developed, which lets accumulate invaluable experience in this field of knowledge.
» The building is 142 m high.
» At one time, many famous astronomers carried out their scientific experiments.
» Not so long ago (in 1981), the planetarium was built near the observatory. On the celestial map, you can learn the location of planets and how they got their names.
Palais du Rhin, Strasbourg
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Palace of the Rhine is the example of Prussian architecture. It is seen from afar due to its big dome. Facts:» The cult construction is surrounded by a parking area with age-old trees and exotic plants.
» The architectural style of the building emphasized the power of the German monarch.
» The huge square building started to be built in 1884. The Emperor had visited it 12 times, until 1914. At that time, the Palace was called Kaiserplatz.
» During the First World War, the global construction served as the hospital for the wounded. Then, it was used for the Rhine shipping. In 1923, the Palace came to France.
» The complex of five buildings is very harmonious despite the fact that its design combines different styles.
» The facade of the 3-storey is made of yellow sandstone blocks. The three-tier staircase leads to it. The outer walls are decorated with a lot of antique sculptures and bas-reliefs. There is a fountain in front of the palace.
» The Empress’s room is open for visitors. There is a white marble fireplace in the midst of the walls covered with silk and a painted light-blue ceiling.
» Nowadays, the Palace belongs to the Department of Cultural Affairs where it is located.
National Theatre of Strasbourg, Strasbourg
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Palace in Republic Square belongs to the National Theatre. Facts:» Originally, the building served as the Regional Parliament. It was built in 1889.
» In 1919, French authorities presented the construction to Strasbourg. It was a music school that occupied the second level. There were classrooms and a concert hall. Later, the music school was moved to another place.
» Its eastern part was destroyed by an artillery strike. It was reconstructed 13 years after.
» The theatre hall was built.
» The National Theatre of Strasbourg has a wide repertory. It was founded in 1946.
» In the building, there are two halls for theatrical performances. There are make-up and rehearsal rooms, as well as rooms for administrative purposes. There is also a workshop for making scenery and costumes.
» The number of staff is a hundred workers. The prolific creative team is able to stage up to 15 plays every theatre season.
» Troupes from other cities and countries often perform here. In the building, there is also a drama school where 20 people take classes.
» In 1995, the Palace was recognized as a historical heritage.
National and University Library, Strasbourg
Facts: » The library was founded in 1872. All copies of periodicals go to the library. The structure belongs to City University.
» During the Second World War, the building was seriously damaged by an artillery attack. It was reconstructed in 1956.
» Its fund includes over 3 million articles. There is also the collection of papyri that includes over 5 000 papers and 6 700 ancient manuscripts. The administration appreciates donations from private libraries and gifts from famous people.
» There is a unique document, the Peresopnytsia Gospels, in the protected place. It was written in the middle of the 16th century on precious parchments. The text of the book of South Slavic culture has been written with gold and paints. There are bright miniatures on the pages.
» There is also the collection of coins in the Numismatic Cabinet.
» Nowadays, the program of the digitalization of the main fund is established.
» In the National Library, there is the Documentation Service. 165 employees work here. They track the purchase of novelties of literature and manage the documentation.
» The library impresses with a round 27-meter staircase. It is situated in the central hall and suspended on steel cables. There is an exit on each floor.
