Notre Dame de Paris Historical Facts and Pictures

The historic Catholic cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris, also known as simply Notre-dame or Notre-Dame Cathedral, is located in the eastern part of the island Île de la Cité in the 4^tharrodissement of Paris. The seat of the Archbishop of Paris, this cathedral epitomizes one of the most spectacular specimens of Roman Gothic Architecture.

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris Entrance

Architecture and Design

The cathedral was one of the first buildings in the world in employing the flying buttress form. Among the many small crafted statues serving as waterspouts and column supports, the Gargoyles are the most famous. Essentially built in 1345, the cathedral’s stained glass and sculptures exemplify the strong influence of Naturalism.

Gargoyles on Notre Dame de Paris

Gargoyles Statue Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris Images

Notre Dame de Paris Photos

Interior of Notre-Dame de Paris

The cathedral consists of an apse, a choir, a short transept and square chapels. The nave has two aisles in the flanks. The 3 great rose windows of the cathedral retain their 13^th century glasses. Among the many beautiful stained-glass windows, the most noticeable is the west rose windows depicting the theme of human life that features symbolic scenes of labors of the months and zodiacs. There are ten bells occupied within the cathedral. Located in the south-tower the largest bell, Emmanuel, weighs over 13 tons.

Interior of Notre Dame de Paris

Louis XIII and Louis XIV Statue

Notre Dame de Paris Bourdon Bell

Notre Dame de Paris Inside

Many sculptures and treasures of Notre-Dame de Paris were largely destroyed during the periods of French Revolution. The cathedral witnessed the historical crowning of Napolean Bonaparte on December 2, 1804.

Notre Dame de Paris Interior

Notre Dame de Paris at Night

Notre Dame de Paris Bells

Notre Dame de Paris Images