The Notre Dame de Paris

The Cross in Notre Dame

Therese of Lisieux

Rose Windows

  The Notre Dame de Paris was one of the very first Cathedrals and is one of the most impressive and finest examples of Gothic architecture in France.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was the largest religious building in the West until the Amiens Cathedral was built in the 13th century The Amiens Cathedral is the tallest in the Picardy region of France.   It is located about 75 miles north of Paris, France.  Unfortunately, I did not get to see this particular Cathedral.

The Notre Dame cathedral was started in about 1163 and completed in about 1345.  During the French Revolution, in the 1790’s, it suffered great destruction.  Over time, many different architects worked on this famous Cathedral, if you were to study this from all angles, you may be able to see the slight variations in the style.

The stained glass, sculptures and gargoyles are quite impressive.  There are over 30 sculptures in all.  There is also the famous Rose Window.  Much of the stained glass dates back to the midlevel times.  When inside, you can view the Great Organ, the Emmanual Bell, this dates back to the 1600’s and then you also see the crown of light that is above the main alter.  All spectacular!  It is a must to spend, at the very least, an afternoon sitting and listening to the organ.  I even purchased a ‘Notre Dame’ coin that I carry with me at all time.  One of my small tokens of Paris.

The Cathedral also holds the ‘Crown of Thorns, it was originally held at the Sainte Chappelle chapel until the French Revolution.  It also holds a fragment of the True Cross and one of the Holy Nails.
                                                                     

                                                                                                                            Cathy

…Research done though visiting this beautiful Cathedral, reading information in different books and on the internet.