Notre-Dame de Paris, Catholic cathedral on Île de la Cité, France
Notre-Dame is a Catholic cathedral on the island of Île de la Cité in Paris, France. The building features two tall towers on the western front, three large circular stained-glass windows, and exterior stone supports that hold up the walls. Inside, rows of columns carry the high ceilings, and pointed arches run along the length of the space. Stone carvings appear on doorways, walls, and in many corners of the structure.
Construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully on the site of an earlier church. The main work finished around 1260, though additions and changes continued over the following centuries. The building suffered damage during the Revolution in the late 1700s, then underwent major restoration led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the mid-1800s. A fire in April 2019 destroyed the wooden roof frame and the central spire.
The church serves as a major center of Catholic faith in France and hosts important religious ceremonies, including royal weddings and state funerals throughout its history. Victor Hugo's 1831 novel contributed significantly to renewed interest in Gothic architecture and elevated the building's place in French national consciousness. The treasury collection attracts pilgrims seeking connection with sacred relics, particularly the Crown of Thorns displayed during Lent.
The cathedral is scheduled to reopen in December 2024 after restoration work following the fire in April 2019. Security checks take place at the entrance, so allow extra time when planning a visit. Metro stations Cité and Saint-Michel provide the nearest access. Opening hours and visitor policies will be posted on the official website once the building reopens to the public.
The grand organ holds 8000 pipes spread across 115 stops, making it one of the largest instruments in the country. It survived the 2019 fire without major harm, though it was removed and cleaned during restoration work. Parts of the instrument date back to the 15th century, while significant additions were made in the 19th century by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.
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