Destination Travel - Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral

Both a tourist destination and working church, the Cathedral Notre Dame is a well-recognized symbol of France, second only to the Eiffel Tower,

This Gothic masterpiece was built between 1163AD - 145AD and is one of the world's greatest structures. The church seats 6000 people. To enjoy a stunning view, many tourists climb the 387 stairs through a narrow passageway to the top of the famous towers. It's easy to imagine the Hunchback of Notre Dame ringing the huge church bell and climbing on the gargoyles.

The view of the gothic statues along the climb and from the top makes it well-worth the effort. Be careful on the stairs, though, because there is no guardrail and traffic runs up and down. Those coming down usually hug the wall, while those going up risk walking the edge.

From the outside the building is a marvel of High Gothic architecture. There are gargoyles, but there is also the huge round window centered on top of the west entrance and magnificent high arches on each side. There are beautiful rose windows on the north and south sides.

Many craftsmen carved detailed flowers and ribbons on the front of the church, and the west gate alone contains 28 statues representing historical religious figures.

Entering the church is an uplifting experience. Visitors are always inspired by the high rib-vaulted ceilings and many stained glass windows. Though the design was typical of that period in history, today the ornate architecture has a high impact on guests.

Looking up at the altar you can imagine Napoleon crowning himself or the General de Gaulle returning from World War II. The 7800 pipe organ alone makes the trip worthwhile.

It is hard to imagine Paris without the Cathedral of Notre Dame. But in the 19th century, this was almost the case. The church was falling apart and Parisians seriously talked about tearing it down.

Then Victor Hugo wrote his famous novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This novel and the efforts of other artist helped call attention to the church and save it from destruction.

Many efforts were made beginning in 1844 for a period of 23 years to restore the church. The unusual triforium and the clerestory windows in the east bay of the nave were just two of the projects completed.

Notre Dame is easy to find from the major metro (subway) stations Saint-Michel or Chatelet-Les Halles.