Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a majestic ediface, 420 ft long with two 226 ft towers. The spire reaches 295 ft. The most famous of its several rose windows has a diameter of 42 ft. Construction on this gothic style cathedral began in 1163. It was completed in 1345.
The most famous features of Notre Dame are its gargoyles and its flying buttresses (arched exterior supports). Interesting facts from Wikipedia:
The building was not originally designed to include the flying buttresses.
After the construction began and the thinner walls grew ever higher, stress fractures began to occur as the
walls pushed outward. In response, the cathedral's architects built
supports around the outside walls, and later additions continued the
pattern. Many small statues were placed around the outside. These were
crafted individually and served as supports for columns and water
spouts. Among these are the famous gargoyles. These were originally
colored, as was most of the exterior. The paint has worn off, but the
grey stone was once covered with vivid colors.
Many of the cathedral's sculptures and gargoyles were removed or demolished during the French Revolution. A 23 year full restoration began in 1845.
Notre Dame is located on the Ile de la Cite, a small island in the heart of Paris.
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| View from the Seine |
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| Interior |
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| Rose window and Gallery of Kings |
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