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Notre-Dame de Paris (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris) is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It is among the most recognizable landmarks of France and attracts millions of tourists every year.

History of construction

The construction of the cathedral began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully. The main building works were completed by 1345. The structure is notable for its scale, architectural innovations, and rich sculptural decoration. The main nave reaches a height of around 35 meters, while the two western towers rise to 69 meters. The cathedral is 130 meters long, with a transept 48 meters wide.

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The western façade is adorned with three portals decorated with biblical scenes, the Gallery of Kings with statues of Old Testament rulers, and a large rose window. The most famous exterior elements are the stone chimeras and gargoyles, which served both as decorative figures and as functional water spouts. Inside, the cathedral houses stained-glass windows, altars, and relics, including the Crown of Thorns and a fragment of the True Cross.

Modern use

Notre-Dame remains an active Catholic church where masses and major state religious ceremonies are held. Entry to the main hall has traditionally been free, while access to the towers requires a paid ticket. In front of the western façade is a small square, often used for fairs and cultural events, while behind the apse lies a garden with views of the cathedral.

Before the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame welcomed about 14 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited monuments in Europe.

2019 fire and restoration

On April 15, 2019, a major fire broke out at the cathedral, causing the collapse of the 19th-century spire and much of the roof. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the main stone structures, including the two western towers, were preserved.

Following the disaster, large-scale restoration began, funded by both the French state and private donations. It was decided to rebuild the spire in its historic form, based on the design of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.