Erwin von Steinbach was a medieval architect and sculptor who was born in 1244 in Steinbach, a small village in the region of Alsace, which is now part of France. He is known for his important contributions to the construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Steinbach belonged to a family of master builders who had been involved in the construction of various churches and cathedrals in the region. His father was also a well-known architect and worked on the construction of the cathedral in Freiburg.
Erwin began his career as a stonemason, working on various buildings in the region, and eventually gained a reputation as one of the most talented sculptors in the area. His work caught the attention of Bishop Conrad of Lichtenberg, who was in charge of the construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral.
In 1277, Erwin was invited to Strasbourg where he quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as the chief architect in 1284, a position he held until his death in 1318. He was responsible for many of the cathedral's most important features, including the façade and the towers.
One of Erwin's most important contributions to the cathedral was the creation of the south transept portal, also known as the Porte Rouge, or Red Door. This portal features intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Bible and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic art in the world.
He was also responsible for the construction of the cathedral's towers. The south tower, which was completed in 1315, is the tallest medieval structure in Europe, standing at 142 meters.
In addition to his work on the Strasbourg Cathedral, Erwin was also involved in the construction of other buildings in the region, including the church of St. Martin in Colmar.
Erwin von Steinbach is remembered as one of the greatest architects and sculptors of the medieval period, with his work on the Strasbourg Cathedral considered to be a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.