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All France Strasbourg Strasbourg Cathedral's Antique Graffiti

Strasbourg Cathedral's Antique Graffiti

Visitors dating back to the 1600s carved their marks in the stones of the iconic tower.

Strasbourg, France

Added By
Gretchen Mora
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Graffiti from 1611.   gretchenmora / Atlas Obscura User
Early graffiti from 1683.   gretchenmora / Atlas Obscura User
July 2023   DMStephenson / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
An entire wall of graffiti.   gretchenmora / Atlas Obscura User
  notoriousFIG / Atlas Obscura User
Graffiti from 1772 and the 1800s.   gretchenmora / Atlas Obscura User
July 2023   DMStephenson / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Strasbourg Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and was the tallest building in the world from about 1647 to 1874. As such, it attracted its share of visitors over the centuries. These people have done more than look at the beautiful building—some decided to leave their mark.

At the top of the lookout platform (332 stairs up) you’ll see evidence of these visitors from centuries past. Inside the tower and around its base, individuals have carved their names, initials, and the year of their visit. The old stones are covered with their scrawling signatures.

The "graffiti" is beautifully carved in most cases, and almost seems to add an artistic touch. The more elaborate letters make it look as if the vandals hired a professional stone cutter to do the etching for them. Some of the scrawled names and initials date from the 1600s.

The view from the platform is also impressive. It offers panoramic scenes of the splendid architecture that fills the streets of Strasbourg.

Related Tags

Graffiti Architecture Churches Towers Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

The platform is accessible from an office on the side of the church. Cost is €5 to ascend.

Community Contributors

Added By

gretchenmora

Edited By

notoriousFIG, Collector of Experiences, DMStephenson

  • notoriousFIG
  • Collector of Experiences
  • DMStephenson

Published

October 25, 2017

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  • http://www.strasbourg.info/cathedral/
Strasbourg Cathedral's Antique Graffiti
Place de la Cathédrale
Strasbourg
France
48.582021, 7.750333
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