Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the most well known landmarks in the world and is considered to be a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. It is located on the Île de la Cité in the very heart of Paris. This iconic cathedral stands at the eastern end of the Île de la Cité and has become a must-see tourist destination for millions around the world. In this blog, we will explore the interesting facts, information, and history of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as provide a travel guide for those who are interested in visiting this ancient and beloved site.

Interesting Facts About Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris

1. The Notre Dame Cathedral was originally built from 1163 to 1345 and is considered Gothic in style.

2. The church was originally intended as a grand tribute to Catholicism in France and a reminder of God’s power and presence in Europe.

3. The spectacular stained glass windows of Notre Dame were added between 1250 and 1260.

4. Flying buttresses were an innovation which helped support the structure of the cathedral without the need for additional walls.

5. In the late 1600s, the cathedral was used as a place to store gunpowder and other weapons, and as a garrison for practicing military exercises.

6. During the French Revolution, the cathedral was turned into a “Temple of Reason” and some of its religious objects were stolen or destroyed.

7. In the mid-19th century the cathedral underwent extensive renovations which changed its look considerably.

8. Some of the most prominent artworks include the Rose Window, the Great Organ, and sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Eugène Delacroix.

9. In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France inside the Notre Dame Cathedral.

10. There is a secret network of catacombs underneath the cathedral which were previously used as a natural cemetery.

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History & Information About Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris (French for Our Lady of Paris), often referred to simply as Notre-Dame Cathedral, is a historic Catholic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. Widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, the cathedral was begun in 1163 and largely completed by 1250, though it was modified frequently in the following centuries.

The cathedral’s architecture is noted for its large rose windows and its many gargoyles, or stone sculptures of creatures that act as rain spouts. In 1831, the cathedral was the site of the coronation of Napoleon.

Notre-Dame underwent a major restoration project in the 1990s to repair the damage caused by centuries of weather and air pollution. In April 2019, the cathedral suffered serious damage when a fire engulfed its roof and destroyed two of its rose windows. The firefighters were able to control the fire and salvage several of its artworks and other artifacts. The cause of the fire is being investigated. The restoration of the cathedral is estimated to cost several billion euros and could take decades to carry out.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris

1. Get There: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris (Notre-Dame Cathedral) is located on the Île de la Cité, one of two islands in the Seine in the middle of Paris. It is easily accessible by public transport, as there are three metro stations nearby, as well as numerous bus lines.

2. Tour Hours: Notre-Dame is open every day from 8 am to 6:45 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 7:45 pm. It is closed on some holidays such as Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Guided tours of the building are available with prior booking.

3. What to See: While the best known feature of Notre-Dame is its two vast, pointed towers, the building is home to a number of other stunning features, including the iconic gargoyles, the intricately carved portals, intricate stained-glass windows, and the spectacular rose window. Inside, visitors can see the stunning high altar and many 17th-century woodwork sculptures, including those of the apostles, prophets, and evangelists.

4. Dining Options: There are no dining options within the cathedral itself, but many cafés, restaurants, and bars are located nearby.

5. Admission: For the majority of visitors, there is no cost to enter the church. However, there is an admission fee for entering the Sacristy and for special with guided tours. For those who want to climb to the towers for a bird’s-eye view, an entrance fee is also required.

6. Tip: Avoid the long lines by visiting during the off-peak hours!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris

Q. When was Notre-Dame Cathedral built?
A. Construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345.

Q. How tall is Notre-Dame Cathedral?
A. Notre-Dame Cathedral is 130 meters (427 feet) tall.

Q. What materials were used to build Notre-Dame Cathedral?
A. Notre-Dame is constructed primarily from stone and a mixture of limestone, sandstone and more.

Q. Are there any popular attractions situated near Notre-Dame Cathedral?
A. Yes. The Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower and Grand Palais are all situated within a few blocks of Notre-Dame.

Q. Is there a fee to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral?
A. No, visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral is free.

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