Büchmesser, Medieval pillar near Cathedral Notre-Dame, Strasbourg, France
The Büchmesser is a sandstone column located at the corner of Rue Mercière and the Cathedral square, positioned just 35 centimeters from the adjacent building wall. The pillar is relatively modest in size and features decorative rings and molding details across its surface.
This column was built in 1567 during Strasbourg's Renaissance period and stands as a remnant from that era. It gained protected historical status in 1936 and underwent complete restoration work in 2016.
The pillar was connected to a playful custom where city officials would try to squeeze through the narrow gap after festive meals. This served as a humorous check on their waistlines and was woven into Strasbourg's local tradition.
The site is easy to reach on foot since it sits directly at a lively square near the Cathedral. It is helpful to visit during daylight hours to see and photograph the column clearly.
The column still displays visible decorative rings that were replicated during its thorough 2016 restoration by heritage specialists. These details show how experts used historical craftsmanship techniques to recreate its original appearance.
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