Centenaire des travaux de restauration du pilier de la tour de la cathédrale de Strasbourg

Between 1906 and 1926, architect Johann Knauth oversaw an extraordinary construction project to ensure the long-term stability of the tower, which weighs an estimated 7,500 tons. The project required an exceptionally complex intervention beneath the foundations of the medieval structure: the tower pillar inside the cathedral had to be temporarily supported while a new foundation was built. To achieve this, the enormous loads of the tower had to be progressively transferred to temporary supports.
The work was carried out under extremely challenging conditions and brought together architects, engineers, construction companies, labourers and skilled craftspeople from a wide range of nationalities.

These interventions remain the indispensable foundation of the cathedral’s structural stability. Through historical photographs, plans, archival documents and three-dimensional reconstructions, the exhibition brings this remarkable construction site back to life. It offers a compelling insight into the technical and human challenges involved in preserving the cathedral and invites visitors to rediscover a landmark from the cathedral platform — a monument whose preservation was achieved largely beneath our feet.

Please note: the cathedral can only be accessed on foot (330 steps). A good level of fitness is required.