Foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in 1163 and it took 182 years of hard work before Notre Dame has appeared to Paris in all its glory. Creature of French Gothic, its construction was initiated by Maurice de Sully, the bishop of Paris, who has devoted most of his life and fortune to it.
Site chosen for construction was considered sacred since ancient times – it has seen Celtic rituals, Roman worship of Jupiter and Christian devotions before the church in Paris had become “the parish church of the kings of Europe” in 1160 and the need for a new building aroused.
Completed in 1345, it was the first cathedral of such grandeur in France - nine thousand people could get together for a joint prayer under its vaults.
For access information visit www.notredamedeparis.fr
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| West and north façades of Notre-Dame |
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