Churches in Paris: Cathédral Notre-Dame de Paris

Before yesterday's destructive fire, we twice visited the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Paris (the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris).  We thought it would be a good idea today to share photos from those visits.  We don't know yet how much of the Cathedral's treasures (such as the stained glass and the organ) can be salvaged.  Here is what we have to share:

A Brief History of the Cathedral:  Construction of the current building began in the mid-1100's on the site of earlier churches.  Construction was largely completed a century later.  Construction, renovation and restoration have continued over the centuries. 

The architectural style is predominantly gothic, with later neo-classical elements added during renovation in the 17th and 18th centuries.  The cathedral is large--157 feet wide and 420 feet long, with the towers reaching 225 feet. 

The cathedral has been a focus of French history over time.  Some of the historic events at the cathedral include:

• The coronation of England's Henry VI in 1431 (during the English occupation of Paris)
• Francis II's marriage to Mary, Queen of Scots in 1558
• The rededication of the cathedral to the Cult of Reason in 1793 during the French Revolution
• The coronation of Napoleon I in 1804 
• Joan of Arc's beatification in 1909 
• In August 1944, a special mass to celebrate the liberation of Paris
• In 1970, the funeral of Charles de Gaulle

The cathedral and surrounding area were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Photos:  Here are some photos from our visits.  

The west facade of the cathedral

The eastern part of the cathedral

A view of the cathedral from the Left Bank of the Seine

A small model of the cathedral

The main doors of the cathedral with a depiction of the Last Judgment

More of the Last Judgment

The nave of the cathedral

The main altar of the cathedral

South Rose Window

The cathedral is home to statues celebrating heroes of France, including Charlemagne and Joan of Arc.

In front of the cathedral is Point Zero, the point from which distances from Paris were once measured.

Behind the church is (or was) a lovely garden.  

Thanks for visiting the Cathédral Notre-Dame de Paris -- as it appeared very recently -- with us. Fortunately, much of the structural shell is still standing after the shocking fire of last night!  Plans to rebuild the Cathedral are already being announced, as you've probably heard.  Anguish is being replaced by optimism!