The cathedral in Strasbourg, France, towers over the city and in fact between 1647 and 1874 it was the tallest building in the world. Today it is still exceptionally tall, 142 metres or 466 feet, being the sixth tallest church in the world. The top postcard marks the height at various points and also measures it in steps. I can't believe that the public is allowed go up all 636 steps to the top of the spire, but I'd love to go part way at least. What a wonderful view it must be.
While wondering why it had become the world's tallest building in 1647 after being completed in 1439, I discovered that through Wikipedia at least, you can trace the world's tallest building backwards and forwards through the years. In 1647, the previous world's tallest building burnt down. That was St Mary's Church in Straslund. It became the tallest when St Olaf's, Tallinn, was struck by lightning in 1625. Before that..... this could go on for ever.
It has more going for it that the latest London building which will be the tallest in the UK when finished. Check out The Shard at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shard_London_Bridge
ReplyDeleteThe architect is Renzo Piano - hope he plays the piano better.
It amazes me how something that tall could have been constructed that long ago. Great post.
ReplyDeleteOdie
It's a most beautiful structure, reaching towards the heavens!
ReplyDelete