Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris (Notre Dame de Paris) - the legend of Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris (Notre Dame de Paris) is one of the most popular sights of the French capital. He is known primarily due to the eponymous work of Victor Hugo. This French writer was a real patriot of his native country and tried to rekindle his compatriots' love for the cathedral with his work. I must say, he was quite successful. After all, in the love of the French for this structure no longer had to be doubted: during the French Revolution, the townspeople submissively paid the bribes to Robespierre, who otherwise threatened to destroy the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. We offer more information about this Parisian landmark, the history of its creation and about what it can surprise tourists today.

Notre-Dame de Paris (France) - the architectural inspiration of the whole nation

This structure was erected at a time when most of the inhabitants of the country were uneducated people who passed on the history of religion exclusively by word of mouth. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, built in the Gothic style, stores paintings, frescoes, portals and stained-glass windows with biblical episodes and events depicted on them. By analogy with other Gothic buildings here you will not find wall paintings. They are replaced by a large number of high stained glass windows, acting as the only source of colors and light inside the building. Until now, visitors to Notre-Dame-de-Paris, whose photo is adorned with any tourist guide in France, note that passing through the colored glass mosaic of daylight gives the structure a mystery and inspires awe.

Someone knows this attraction by hearsay, someone remembers it from the novel of the unforgettable Hugo, and for someone it is associated with a popular musical. Either way, Notre-Dame-de-Paris is an amazing place with a rich history. If you are planning a trip to Paris, then do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of visiting this landmark.

History of the foundation of the cathedral

The construction of this structure began in 1163. Interior finishing was completed only a century and a half later - in 1315. In 1182 the main altar of this church building was consecrated. The construction work itself was completed by 1196. For a very long time, only the interior was finished. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Paris was built on the island of Cité, considered the heart of the French capital. The main architects of this monumental structure, whose height is 35 meters (the bell tower of the cathedral rises by 70 meters), became Pierre de Montreuil, Jean de Schel.

A long time of construction affected the appearance of the building, as for a century and a half the Norman and Gothic styles were mixed, which made the image of the cathedral truly unique. One of the most noticeable details of this structure is the six-ton bell, located in the right tower. For many centuries, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris served as a place for the marriage of royal persons, as well as their coronations and funerals.

XVII-XVIII century

This great building underwent great trials in the last decades of the seventeenth century. During this period, marked by the reign of King Louis XIV, the Cathedral was destroyed by beautiful stained-glass windows and destroyed by graves. During the French Revolution, Parisians were warned that this magnificent structure would be wiped off the face of the earth. However, they have the opportunity to prevent this if they regularly pay a certain sum of money for the needs of revolutionaries. Rarely, what Parisian refused to fulfill this ultimatum. Due to this the cathedral was literally saved by the local population.

Cathedral in the XIX century

During the reign of Napoleon in 1802, the Notre-Dame Cathedral was re-consecrated. And four decades later, his restoration began. In the course of it, the building itself was rebuilt, broken statues and sculptures were replaced, and a spire was built. Restoration work lasted just under 25 years. After their termination, it was decided to demolish all the buildings adjacent to the Cathedral, thanks to which a magnificent square was formed.

What should we pay attention to today when visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral?

In addition to its majestic appearance, the cathedral can offer visitors a lot of interesting things hidden within its walls. So, it is here that for a long time one of those nails with which Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross is kept. There is also the famous bas-relief of the alchemist Notre Dame.

If you come to the cathedral on Sunday, you can hear organ music. And the organ located here is the largest in all of France. On Good Friday, all believers are given the opportunity to bow before such shrines of the cathedral as a crown of thorns and a piece of the Cross of the Lord with the nail in it.

Do not deny yourself the opportunity to admire the neighborhood from the observation deck, located on the south tower of the cathedral. However, keep in mind that to climb it you will have to overcome 402 steps. In addition, do not lose sight of the bronze star on the square in front of the cathedral. It marks a zero kilometer, and it is from it that all French roads are counted since the XVII century.

Make a wish

It is safe to say that visiting Notre Dame is a very significant event for any person. Probably, therefore, from time immemorial there is a belief that if you leave a note at the gate of the cathedral with your desire, it will certainly come true.

How to get to the cathedral

As we have already mentioned, Notre Dame is located in the eastern part of the Parisian island of Cité. You can get here both by metro and by bus. If you decide to go on the subway, then you need to select line 4 and get off at the Cite or Saint-Michel station. If you plan to get by bus, then take one of the following routes: 21, 38, 47 or 85.

Opening hours of the cathedral

The main hall of Notre Dame is open every day from 6:45 to 19:45. However, keep in mind that from time to time the flow of visitors is "hampered" by local servants. This is done in order not to interfere with the passing mass.

If you are planning to visit the towers of the cathedral, please note the following information:

- in July and August they are open for visits on weekdays from 9:00 to 19:30, and on weekends from 9:00 to 23:00;

- from April to June, and also in September the towers can be visited from 9:30 to 19:30 every day;

- during the period from October to March they are available for visits only from 10:00 to 17:30.

Experienced tourists recommend to come to the cathedral from October to March. During this period, it is not so crowded, and you can enjoy the relative silence and in a quiet environment to view this landmark. Besides, if you have the opportunity, come here at sunset. At this time you can enjoy a magnificent picture, which is a game of light passing through the cathedral through colorful fancy glass stained glass windows.

Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral: the cost of a visit

The entrance to the main hall of the cathedral is free of charge. Please note that all year round every Wednesday at two o'clock in the afternoon, as well as every Saturday at 2:30 pm there is an excursion in Russian. It is also free.

Near the cathedral is a small building, where there is a temple treasury. Here are stored various ancient products from precious metals, as well as clothes of clergy and church utensils. The main exhibit is the crown of Jesus Christ, as well as a piece of the Cross of the Lord with a preserved nail. Admission to the treasury will have to be paid to adults for three euros, students and students for two euros, and children from 6 to 12 years - 1 euro.

If you want to climb the tower of the cathedral, adult visitors will have to pay 8.5 euros, students - 5.5 euros. For persons who have not reached the age of eighteen, the entrance is free.