Paris – Notre Dame
Blog entry created by: Teresa
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Notre Dame pictures!
We climbed to the top – 422 steps – so some of these pictures show the gargoyles up close and some the view from the top of Notre Dame.
You can also read about our experience in Meagan’s post here.
Some interesting facts about Notre Dame
These are from Annie Page and Thomas Craughwell, eHow.com Contributors:
Every year, approximately 13 million worshippers and tourists visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, or Our Lady of Paris. As a destination, the cathedral attracts more visitors than the Eiffel Tower.
History
The Cathedral of Notre Dame was begun in 1163; construction continued for another 200 years. During the French Revolution anti-Christian extremists looted and badly damaged Notre Dame. Repair and restoration of the church did not begin until 1844.
In 1793, during the French Revolution, Notre Dame Cathedral was looted and damaged, and images of the Virgin Mary were replaced by those of Lady Liberty. Restoration work began in 1845 and lasted 25 years.
Architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral is considered a fine example of the French Gothic architectural style. At 110 ft. high, historian John Julius Norwich calls it “the first cathedral built on a truly monumental scale.” Notre Dame also features magnificent stained glass, sculptures and flying buttresses (arched exterior supports).
Significance
As the principal church of the Catholic archdiocese of Paris, Notre Dame is the spiritual heart of the French capital. It is also a shrine that preserves the Crown of Thorns, said to have been forced upon the head of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.
Prominent Personalities
In 1804 Napoleon invited Pope Pius VII to come to Paris to crown him emperor in Notre Dame. At the last minute, however, Napoleon seized the crown from the pope’s hands and crowned himself.
The Owner
Under a law dating to 1905, Notre Dame belongs to the French government, which maintains it, but the Catholic Church has the exclusive right to use the cathedral.
Fun Facts
The largest bell in Notre Dame’s bell tower is named “Emmanuel.” It was cast in 1631, and weighs over 28,000 pounds.
Victor Hugo wrote his 1831 novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation of Notre Dame cathedral, which at the time was in a state of disrepair, and its Gothic architectural style considered vulgar.
Posted on: August 29, 2010 | Categories: France, Fun Facts - Cultures and Countries, History
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dearest teresa, You are looking more beautiful than ever. It seems that traveling agrees with you.I know you are looking forward to your volunteering and I think the children are as well. love you,mom
Hi Mom! It’s great to hear from you. I will get your Facebook account set up soon. We visited Neuschwanstein Castle today and the drive there had some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen! We are looking forward to all that lies ahead – especially volunteering. Love you and miss you.