A Paris Historic Landmark
As stated before it is not my intent
to dwell much on well known famous landmarks. Although I include them in my must-see
category, I like to find the little known facts about such sites. The following
hopefully will tell you something new about this lovely church.
The gothic beauty of
Notre Dame dominates the River Seine as well as the history of Paris. The
famous church, started in 1163, was not completely finished until 1345. Located at the geographic center of Paris,
all distances have been measured from Notre Dame since 1768.
Notre Dame is the cathedral of the
Catholic Archdiocese of Paris and is the
church that contains the official chair of the Archbishop of Paris.
The Celts had sacred ground at the site and later a Roman temple to Jupiter was built on the grounds, followed by a Christian church, a basilica, and a Romanesque church. The church has a long history. Crusaders prayed here before going off to the Holy Wars. Polyphonic music was developed here. Notre Dame was pillaged during the revolution, but the great bell avoided meltdown. The 13-ton bell, housed in the south tower, is only rung on major Catholic feast days. All of the bells have names. For the hardy individual, one can climb the 387 steps to the top of the towers.
There was a time when the church was used as a warehouse and storage of food. Napoleon crowned himself emperor and Josephine empress here. In the 19th century the church fell into disrepair. Victor Hugo was instrumental in a campaign to restore the church and the project was started in 1844, lasting 23 years. The spires were added and houses were demolished to afford a better view and to make room for a plaza. Gargoyles on the façade look down on the activity below and actually are carved gutters. Notre Dame is a spectacular symbol of medieval Paris.
The building measures 420-feet long. The twin towers are 225-feet high. The 295-foot high spire was added in the 19th century. The story of the bible is retold in the portals, paintings and stained glass. The large rose glass windows are spectacular. The northern 13th century window is massive, measuring 13-meters. There are 28 statues, Gallery of Kings, on the western front. Roman ruins are underneath. General de Gaulle prayed for thanksgiving here after Paris was liberated in WW II. In 1991 a ten-year program of maintenance and restoration was started.
The Cathedral is an impressive
building and a landmark of Paris. I have enjoyed all of my three visits.
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