Notre-Dame de Paris, Catholic cathedral on Île de la Cité, France
The structure rises from Île de la Cité with two 69-meter towers flanking the western facade. The Gothic construction incorporates three rose windows, external buttresses supporting the walls, and numerous stone sculptures throughout. The interior spans 130 meters in length with columns supporting vaulted ceilings reaching 35 meters high. The design exhibits pointed arches and tracery characteristic of medieval French architecture.
Bishop Maurice de Sully initiated construction in 1163 on the site of an earlier Christian basilica. Major building work concluded around 1260, with subsequent centuries bringing additions and modifications. The structure suffered significant damage during the French Revolution in the 18th century. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc directed extensive restoration between 1844 and 1864. A fire in April 2019 destroyed the timber roof frame and 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.
Reopening is scheduled for December 8, 2024, following restoration work since the April 2019 fire. Access is available via metro stations Cité or Saint-Michel. Visitors should expect security checks at entrance points. Opening hours and entry policies will be available on the official website after reopening. Climbing the towers requires separate reservation and fee.
The grand organ comprises 8000 pipes distributed across 115 stops, ranking among the largest instruments in France. It survived the 2019 fire without major damage, though required removal and cleaning during restoration. The oldest components date from the 15th century, while Aristide Cavaillé-Coll made significant expansions in the 19th century.
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 accessible
Made from material: dimension stone
Address: 6 6 Place du Parvis de Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris 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: November 27, 2025 18:42
Historical structures in France range from Roman amphitheaters to modern bridges. The buildings display engineering and architectural techniques through multiple periods. Monuments include Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance castles, medieval fortresses, Roman bridges, and contemporary architectural designs. These constructions represent significant periods in French history and architecture.
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This route covers two millennia of Parisian construction history, showing the architectural layers of the city. It includes Roman remains such as the first-century Lutetia arenas, medieval structures, classical palaces, and modern constructions from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each location documents specific building phases and technical developments in the French capital. The selection ranges from well-known landmarks to less visited historical sites. The 1889 Eiffel Tower stands alongside Roman thermal bath fragments and medieval churches. This collection allows visitors to trace urban development from the ancient settlement of Lutetia to the modern metropolis and compare different architectural styles.
Point zéro des routes de France
86 m
Great organ of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
0 m
Parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul-II
118 m
Charlemagne et ses Leudes
116 m
Square Jean-XXIII
129 m
Pont au Double
121 m
Palais de l'Archevêché de Paris
79 m
Musée de Notre-Dame de Paris
45 m
South rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris
25 m
Quai de Montebello
137 m
Ancienne chapelle Saint-Aignan
159 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
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole
139 m
Port de Montebello
123 m
Hôtel de la Motte Montgoubert
149 m
Grand lectern of Notre-Dame de Paris
9 m
Jardin de la place Jean-Paul-II
122 m
Presbytery of Notre-Dame de Paris
47 m
Louis XIII kneeling
50 m
24 rue Chanoinesse
135 m
Maison des étudiants
166 m
Notre-Dame des Sept-Douleurs chapel
9 m
9 quai de Montebello, Paris
151 m
Baptismal font chapel
7 m
Ancienne faculté de médecine
166 m
Orgue de tribune de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
0 mReviews
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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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