Notre-Dame Cathedral: History & Highlights
Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely completed by 1345, spanning nearly two centuries of work. Located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, it has been a centre of religious and cultural life for over 860 years.
Must-See Highlights
- Rose Windows — The three magnificent rose windows date from the 13th century. The north rose (c. 1250) and south rose (c. 1260) are among the largest in the world at approximately 13 metres in diameter, depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Christ.
- The Spire — The original medieval spire was removed in 1786. Architect Viollet-le-Duc designed a new one in the 1860s, which collapsed during the 2019 fire. It has been faithfully reconstructed and stands 96 metres above the ground.
- Flying Buttresses — Added in the 14th century, these iconic structural supports allowed the walls to be thinner and the windows larger, a hallmark of Gothic engineering.
- Bell Towers — The twin towers rise 69 metres and house the famous bells, including the great bourdon bell Emmanuel, cast in 1681 and weighing over 13 tonnes.
- The Grand Organ — One of the largest organs in France with over 8,000 pipes, recently restored after the fire.
- Archaeological Crypt — Located beneath the parvis (the square in front of the cathedral), the crypt displays ruins dating from antiquity through the 19th century.
History
The cathedral survived the French Revolution (when it was rededicated to the "Cult of Reason"), and was later the setting for Napoleon's coronation in 1804. Victor Hugo's 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame sparked renewed public interest and prompted a major 19th-century restoration led by Viollet-le-Duc.
On 15 April 2019, a fire engulfed the roof and spire, causing worldwide shock. A massive international restoration effort followed, and Notre-Dame officially reopened on 7 December 2024.