FRANCE: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and it took nearly 200 years to complete, finishing around 1345.

It has been the religious center of Paris and the site of major events like royal weddings, coronations and national funerals.

Not too long ago, on April 15, 2019, a devastating fire destroyed the spire and much of the roof. 

Sympathies and donations poured in from around the world.  

Reconstruction began shortly after. 

The ground floor of Notre Dame re-opened recently and they distribute tickets on-line over a rolling 3 day window. 

With perseverance I was able to book us tickets to get inside.

  

Notre-Dame is an example of French Gothic architecture, known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

 

  

It features three large stained glass rose windows, each over 12 meters (39 feet) in diameter. If you are into medieval glass work they are considered to be masterpieces.

Now that it is cleaned up inside the vibrant colours pop against the limestone walls and columns.

 

 

Some interesting trivia, which is always useful at Cocktail Parties:

Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor and then crowned Josephine as Empress in Notre-Dame in 1804.  

"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" (1831) by Victor Hugo brought attention to the neglected cathedral and spurred a major restoration.

The bells have rung for major events in French history.

Before the fire it was visited by millions of people annually.

 

  

John and I now count as 2 more visitors since the fire. 

Every journey starts with a single step.