Cathédrale Notre-Dame De Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris: The Most Magnificent Gothic Structure in the World

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most iconic monuments of the French capital and a beloved symbol of Parisian heritage. Founded in 1163, this magnificent Gothic structure stands proudly on the Île de la Cité in the center of Paris, and has been the site of numerous significant events in French history. From royal weddings to coronations, and from the liberation of Paris to the election of the first French president, Notre-Dame de Paris is a time-honored monument that has been witness to some of the most important moments in French history.

 

A Brief History of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

The construction of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. The original design was commissioned by the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The structure was designed by the renowned French architect, Jean de Chelles, and includes two towers, two rose windows, a large nave, and a bell tower. The cathedral was severely damaged during the French Revolution, but was later restored in the 19th century by the renowned architect, Viollet-le-Duc.

 

The Magnificent Interior of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

The interior of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The nave and transepts are filled with intricate carvings and sculptures, and the walls are decorated with beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral also contains a number of valuable artworks, including paintings by Jean Fouquet and Nicolas Poussin, as well as sculptures by Pierre-Antoine Bienvenu and Charles-Antoine Bridan.

 

Notable Events at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris has been the site of numerous important events in French history. It was the site of the coronations of several French kings, including Louis VIII in 1223 and Charles X in 1825. It was also the site of the marriage of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais in 1796, the election of the first president of the French Republic in 1848, and the liberation of Paris in 1944.

 

The Most Notable Features of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

The most notable features of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris include the two towers, the two rose windows, the large nave, and the bell tower. The two towers are a symbol of Parisian Gothic architecture, and stand at a height of 69 meters (226 feet). The two rose windows are the largest in France, measuring 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter. The bell tower, known as the ‘Gargouille’, contains the largest bell in Paris, which was cast in 1681 and weighs 13 tons.

 

Visiting Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is open to visitors every day from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, and admission is free of charge. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral or climb the 387 steps to the top of the bell tower for stunning views of the city. Guided tours are also available for a small fee, and visitors can also take part in a variety of religious and cultural events held at the cathedral throughout the year.