Today it is not open to tourists, but it’s still one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris and around the world. Let’s see what Notre Dame Cathedral is all about!
Notre Dame History
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Located in Paris, France, it is a prime example of French Gothic architecture and an iconic symbol of the city. The construction of the cathedral began in 1163, and it took nearly two centuries to complete. Notre Dame was completed in 1345. Viollet le Duc, a famous French architect, led the restoration of the cathedral in the 19th century.
Significance of the Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most iconic structures in Paris, and its architectural significance cannot be understated. With its soaring spires and flawless Gothic design, the cathedral is a symbol of both French history and artistic achievement. Additionally, Notre Dame has played an important role in many of the most significant moments in European and world history. For instance, it has served as the setting for coronation ceremonies, religious ceremonies, and even major political events such as Napoleon Bonaparte’s proclamation as Emperor.
Notre Dame Cathedral Relics
The cathedral is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notre Dame Cathedral is renowned for its Gothic architecture, and it features many ornate sculptures and gargoyles. The cathedral was also home to the famous relic known as the Crown of Thorns, which is said to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
Notre Dame Art
The cathedral is home to many famous works of art, including the “The Last Judgement” by Michelangelo and the famous “Rose Window”. In addition to being an important architectural feature, the towers also house several bells, which have been ringing out over Paris for centuries.
The Towers and The Spire
The towers and spire of Notre Dame Cathedral are some of the most iconic features of the structure. The two towers are symmetrical, with each being around 226 feet tall. The spire is located in between the towers and is even taller, reaching around 315 feet in height. The spire is decorated with intricate carvings and is a prominent feature of the skyline of Paris.
Notre Dame Cathedral: Burials and Crypts
In addition to being over 800 years old, the cathedral also houses a number of burial crypts within its walls, including a tomb of the Bishop of Matifort and Archbishop Affre. Over time, more people have chosen to be laid to rest at Notre Dame Cathedral, including kings, queens, priests, and scientists. These crypts are a testament to the long and influential history of this famous building.
Notre-Dame de Paris Fire
On April 15, 2019, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris suffered a devastating fire that destroyed much of the roof and spire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be linked to the ongoing renovation work that was being conducted at the time. Despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters, the blaze could not be contained and caused significant damage to the historic building. Though the damage was extensive, many of the cathedral’s most iconic features were spared, including the rose windows and the exterior stone walls.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration Process
In the aftermath of the disaster, many have called for digital reconstruction in order to restore Notre Dame back to its former glory. Using computer models, designers can create a virtual replica of the cathedral with unprecedented fidelity and detail. The restoration process is a long and complicated one, but there have already been made great strides in terms of technology and innovation. Although the Cathedral is closed for now, we can only hope that it will reopen soon and serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit.
New Discoveries
There were some significant discoveries made during the restoration process, including an opening below the cathedral floor that likely dates back to the 13th century, when the Gothic cathedral was first being built. In addition, fragments of a 13th century choir screen were found after its destruction in the early 18th century.
Scientists also had a chance to peek inside a sarcophagus that was extracted from the cathedral, revealing the upper part of a skeleton. The discovery of these artifacts gives us valuable insight into the history of Notre Dame and helps to put our current situation into perspective.
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