The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the most famous Paris church and is undoubtedly the quintessential work of the Gothic style representative worldwide. It is located in the district number four, on the East part of the Île de la Cité, bordered by the Seine and gardens and cannot be missed during a city break in Paris. In square Notre Dame there is the Kilomètre Zéro, that is to say the point from which the distances of all French routes are calculated.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1163 during Louis VII’s reign and during the episcopate of Maurice de Sully. The bishop had the cathedral built on the pre-existing St Etienne’s church, which was demolished after six century of existence. The cathedral was finished in 1345 and was dedicated to Mary, Jesus Christ’s mother.

The surrounding area of the cathedral is stunning. It is possible to take picture from every angle of it, from the bridges across the river, from the front yard, with the two main towers presiding over the image, from one side, and highlight the expressiveness of his famous gargoyles (grotesquely carved stone), or from the back, where they emphasize the high needle which crowned its "roof" and the result would be beautiful photos.

The interior is certainly not as impressive as the exterior to the uninitiated in art, but it is quite impressive enter the cathedral and placed in the aisle of the church facing the altar, having all its grandeur and immensity. Also, it must be noted that there is a museum with a treasure in the sacristy, which is accessed from inside the church.

The cathedral of Notre Dame was the protagonist of many important events of the history of France. As regard coronations, Henry VI of England and Napoleón Bonaparte were crowned here. Also, Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909 in this cathedral.

As regard to the structural point of view, the cathedral has a Latin cross plan, a front of 40 feet wide, a length of 130 meters and a maximum height of 69 meters. For statistics’ lovers, the cathedral has 5 naves, 37 chapels, 3 rosettes with diameter of 13.5 meters each and a total of 113 windows. It is not the biggest cathedral of France, but it is surely the most remarkable Gothic style masterpiece.

The façade has three portals. The most important portal, situated in the middle, is the Last Judgement portal and has sculptures that represents the resurrections of the dead an angel with a balance that weights virtues and sins and demons that takes sinful souls. These images would count a lot among the lay people of the Middle Age. The minor portals are dedicated to Virgin Mary and her mother, Saint Anne.

On the portals there are twenty-eight statues that represents the kings of Iudaea that reigned before the arrival of Christ. They are 3,5 metres high but they are not the originals, as they were destroyed during the French Revolution, as it was thought that they represented the French kings.

On the central portal, the rosette of 10 metres of diameter stands out. A line of columns is situated on the rosette and finally two towers complete the west façade.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is impressive and definitely deserves to be visited. It is a majestic example of faith’s expression in Middle Ages and how faith was perceived by people. Surely it is a privilege to rent a holiday accommodation in Paris city and to be close to Notre Dame, having the chance to visit it and taking it easy.