Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in Paris, France, with its main entrance to the west. It is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It was restored and saved from destruction by Viollet-le-Duc, one of France’s most famous architects. Notre-Dame Cathedral was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress. The building was not originally designed to include the flying buttresses around the choir and nave. Read the article about visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Paris, France – Come Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral
By Harry Preston
One of the greatest buildings ever built, Notre-Dame stands proudly on the Ile de la Cite. The seat of the Archbishop of Paris, it is the spiritual heart of the city, and indeed, of the country. The cathedral is an outstanding example of 12th- to 14th-century master craftsmanship and an architectural marvel. It is characterised by flying buttresses, gargoyles, a spire that stands some 90m (295 feet) tall, towers that offer the visitor a panoramic view of the city, and its grand west wing.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Work started on the building in 1163 based on Bishop Maurice de Sully’s dazzling design, with Pope Alexander III laying the first stone. However, the construction was not completed until around 1345. Architectural styles changed significantly over the span of years during which it was being built and the result was a cathedral with both Gothic and Romanesque influences. The choir was completed in 1182, the nave in 1208, and the bell, called Emmanuel, was cast in 1631.
The west wing facade and the main entrance to the cathedral is probably its most photographed feature. Comprising three exquisitely carved portals with biblical scenes representing the life of Saint Anne, the story of the Last Judgment and the Virgin, and a row of statues above known as the Kings’ Gallery, the wing features a beautifully preserved stained-glass rose window for which Notre-Dame is world renowned. The window dates back to the early Gothic period, although two other windows on the north and south are older and date from 1250-60.
The cathedral’s interior is essentially Romanesque in style, with influences of naturalism that give it a livelier appearance. It houses softly lit chapels, numerous statues – including the celebrated statue of the Virgin and Child – and tombs, carved out of a softly coloured stone.
Look out for the sacristy. It is here that many of the city’s ancient manuscripts are kept. In the archaeological crypt, the most important in Europe, the remains of Gallo-Roman to 18th century foundations can be seen. A display shows Parisian life on the Ile de la Cite from the 3rd to the 19th century.
Notre-Dame was almost destroyed during the French Revolution, and underwent a major renovation in the 19th century under the direction of medievalist architect, Viollet-le-Duc.
More details available on http://www.guidedtourparis.com/notre.html and additional information about Paris, France available on http://www.guidedtourparis.com
