Notre-Dame of Paris - Masterpiece of Gothic art!

Located in the center of Paris on the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most iconic monuments of the French capital! Rising from its ashes like a phoenix, the cathedral continues to amaze its visitors through the centuries despite its tumultuous history.

The Origins of Notre-Dame de Paris in Medieval History

The construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163, initiated by Bishop Maurice de Sully, who wished to build a cathedral worthy of Paris’s grandeur. Built on the remains of two earlier churches, it gradually rose to become, by the mid-14th century, one of the largest cathedrals in the Western world. Its innovative architecture, with its flying buttresses and soaring vaults, makes it the pinnacle of Gothic art.

Key Moments in the History of Notre-Dame

• The Holy Crown: In 1239, King Saint Louis brought the Holy Crown from Jerusalem, believed to be the one worn by Christ during his crucifixion. This precious relic is preserved at Notre-Dame, reinforcing its status as a major spiritual center.
• The French Revolution: In 1793, the cathedral was desecrated, its treasures looted, and many statues destroyed. It was even transformed into the "Temple of Reason" before being returned to Catholic worship under Napoleon.
• The Coronation of Napoleon: On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor at Notre-Dame, an event immortalized by the painter Jacques-Louis David.
• The 2019 Fire: On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire ravaged the cathedral’s roof and spire, sparking worldwide emotion. A vast restoration campaign was then launched to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory.

The Architectural Treasures of Notre-Dame

The Rose Windows

Among the most remarkable elements of the cathedral are its three large rose windows, masterpieces of Gothic stained glass art. The North and South rose windows, adorning the arms of the transept, are among the largest in Europe, with a diameter of about 13 meters. The West rose window, smaller in comparison, still boasts an impressive size of 9.60 meters and defines the cathedral’s iconic façade.

The Gargoyles and Chimeras

The gargoyles, present since the cathedral’s construction, serve as gutters to drain rainwater. The chimeras, on the other hand, are artistic additions made in the 19th century by architect Viollet-le-Duc, inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, to bring a fantastical dimension to the building.

The Spire

The original spire, added in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, stood 96 meters high. It collapsed during the 2019 fire but was rebuilt identically and reinstalled in December 2023, restoring this symbolic structure.

When to Visit Notre-Dame?

After several years of restoration, Notre-Dame de Paris reopened to the public on December 8, 2024. Entry is free, but reserving a time slot via the dedicated mobile app is recommended to reduce waiting times at the entrance. Donations are appreciated to support the ongoing maintenance of the cathedral. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing time, and the opening hours are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 7:50am - 7:00pm (closing at 10:00pm on Thursdays)
• Saturday and Sunday: 8:15am - 7:30pm

Other Activities Available at Notre-Dame

Consider participating in the following activities to enrich your visit to Notre-Dame de Paris:

• Discover the treasure of Notre-Dame, where precious Christian relics such as the Holy Crown are kept.
• Attend a sacred music concert or a performance on the grand organ, whose sublime sounds resonate under the cathedral’s vaults.
• Join masses and services, a unique opportunity for the faithful to experience the spiritual and grandiose atmosphere of the site.

Notre-Dame de Paris is not just a historic monument but also the spiritual heart of the city, a place where history, art, and faith come together to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.