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.
Location: Quartier Notre-Dame
Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1163
Founders: Maurice de Sully
Architects: Jean de Chelles, Pierre de Montreuil, Pierre de Chelles, Jean Ravy, Raymond du Temple
Official opening: December 7, 2024
Architectural style: French Gothic architecture, Early Gothic architecture, Rayonnant, classic gothic
Capacity: 9000
Length: 127 m
Width: 48 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Made from material: dimension stone
Address: 6 Place du Parvis de Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris
Opening Hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Friday 07:50-19:00; Thursday 07:50-22:00; Saturday,Sunday 08:15-19:30
Phone: +33142345610
Website: https://notredamedeparis.fr/en
GPS coordinates: 48.85300,2.34980
Latest update: December 23, 2025 06:58
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Point zéro des routes de France
86 m
Great organ of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
0 m
Musée de Notre-Dame de Paris
45 m
Square Jean-XXIII
129 m
Palais de l'Archevêché de Paris
79 m
South rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris
25 m
Choir organ of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
0 m
Fontaine de la Vierge
129 m
Sacristy of Notre-Dame de Paris
49 m
Grand lectern of Notre-Dame de Paris
9 m
Presbytery of Notre-Dame de Paris
47 m
Louis XIII kneeling
50 m
Notre-Dame des Sept-Douleurs chapel
9 m
Baptismal font chapel
7 m
Orgue de tribune de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
0 mFountain
88 mFountain
110 mInformation board, memorial, commemorative plaque
56 m
Galerie des Rois
59 mRosace Nord
30 mMonument au Pape Jean-Paul II
59 mBust of Carlo Goldoni
93 mCommemorative plaque, information board, memorial
119 mCommemorative plaque, memorial
119 mInformation board, memorial, commemorative plaque
108 mTourist attraction, high water mark
108 mHigh water mark
108 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
102 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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a wonderful renovation!
What a joy to rediscover this magnificent cathedral after all these years of restoration!
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