Strasbourg Cathedral

More Than Just a Church - A Cultural Hub Rating: ★★★★★ My visit was enriched by spending time at the adjacent Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame, which preserves the original sculptures and stained glass removed from the Cathedral for protection. This added invaluable context to the structure itself. Observing the intricate details of the original statues up close before re-entering the cathedral to view the replacement pieces high above made the experience much more profound. The combination of the historic interior, the preserved art in the museum, and the lively, festive atmosphere of the Christmas market just outside creates a true cultural hub. Goethe's praise of its grandeur is understandable; the verticality of the design is breathtaking. It felt like stepping back into the Middle Ages, enhanced by the charm of modern Christmas lights. This is a visit that demands time to fully appreciate both the exterior and interior details.