Notre Dame de Paris

A historic Roman Catholic cathedral, the Notre-Dame de Paris graces the eastern half of the Île de la Cité and contains the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris. One of the world’s largest, most well-known and most-visited churches, it is also one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It is also said to house the crown of thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and one of the Holy Nails—all first-class relics.

In the 1100s, the church of Paris had become the „Parisian church of the kings of Europe“ and the 4th century Paris cathedral (Saint-Étienne) was apparently deemed unworthy of the role by Bishop Maurice de Sully. It is said that he had a vision of a magnificent new cathedral and drew it on the ground outside the old one. Bishop de Sully devoted most of his life and money to the construction of the Notre Dame, until his death in 1196.

It is obvious by the differing heights and styles in some parts that numerous architects worked on the site. The construction was collaborative; the Church, notable Parisian residents, and the whole population of Paris offered money, know-how, and labor.

Completed in 1345—some 100 years after construction began—the cathedral was originally covered in vivid colors, as were the famous chimeras and gargoyles. It was among the first buildings in the world to use flying buttresses and had narrow spiral staircases leading up to the top. You can still climb these today and look out over a spectacular view of Paris.

Notre Dame has played host to many great events, like the crowning of Henry VI as King of France, the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots to the Dauphin Francis II of France, and the beatification and canonization of Joan of Arc. And, of course, it is the site of the novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, written by Victor Hugo in 1831.

The cathedral has endured much through history, including damage to features, statues, tombs, and stained glass windows. During the French Revolution of the 1790s, many of its treasures were destroyed or stolen, and statues on the façade were beheaded (the heads being found in 1977 and now displayed in the Musée de Cluny). Some depictions of the Virgin Mary were even replaced by Lady Liberty for a time, and the cathedral was used for storing food! Restoration of the cathedral was initiated in 1845 and took 25 years. It was damaged again during the Second World War and some of the stained glass windows were remade but with a more geometric pattern.

The organ was rebuilt during the 19th century and has 7,800 pipes, 900 of which are classified as historical. The Towers at Notre Dame hold 5 bells, the largest of which, Emmanuel, was made in 1681 and hangs in the South Tower. The four in the North Tower are currently being melted down and recast into 8 bells, to be rehung in 2013. The Marie, a 9th bell, will hang with Emmanuel and they are all designed to sound like the originals.

The exterior is still stunning, despite the color having worn off, and hides many treasures inside, too. The stained glass windows are a sight to behold, and they depict stories of saints, including that of Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris. The three beautiful rosettes (the South, West and North Roses) refract multicolored light along the cathedral walls—just wonderful! The 14th century Virgin with Child statue is renowned, as are The Mays of Notre Dame (large paintings accompanied by poems) of which there are over 70.

The crypt was built as recently as 1965 to protect historical ruins and, as well as holding the remains of saints, contain a large exhibit, it’s main feature being the under-floor heating installed by the Romans.

You can easily get to the site of Notre Dame as there are several Métro stations nearby; Cité, Saint-Michel (line 4), Cluny-La Sorbonne, Maubert-Mutualité (line 10) Chatelet (lines 7, 11 and 14) and Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11). Train RER (lines B and C) also stop nearby at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame, as do several bus lines (21, 38, 47, 85, 96, 24, and 27).

Opening Hours

Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Sat, Sun: 8 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Admission

Free entrance.

Contact

Phone: +33 1 4234 5610

• Official website of Notre Dame de Paris

• Notre Dame de Paris at Wikipedia