The central nave of the imposing cathedral of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg in France. This magnificent immense Romanesque/Gothic church (1176–1439), was for more than 250 years the world’s tallest building surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza. Today it is the fourth-tallest church in the world. Described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel", the cathedral's splendor is visible far across the plains of Alsace and can be seen from as far off as the Vosges mountains or the Black Forest on the other side of the Rhine.