View of the iconic Notre Dame De Paris at night
Macron vows to rebuild Notre-Dame
Shining as a beacon, the iconic Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral, Our Lady of Paris, can be spotted easily in the Place du Parvis square. The cathedral is sited in the backdrop of the luxuriant gardens of the Square Jean-XXIII. An anonymous builder began the construction of the church in the Gothic style, which was taken over by four subsequent builders, spanning over different time duration. It suffered the blows of the Revolution, and was thus renovated by the artist Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, in the 19th century. Thus, a visit to the cathedral is a journey through the 13th to the 19th century artworks. The cathedral was the first church to install flying buttresses.
The ornate facade of the church with intricate, meticulous carvings is a real feast for your eyes. The carvings and sculptures depict theological instances. One of the striking sculptures in the church is of St Denis, a bishop from the 3rd century who was martyred by beheading. According to the legend, the saint walked for about five miles, holding his discerped head. Another prominent figure in the cathedral is of Saint Paul Tchen – the martyr of China. The stained glass windows complement the interiors of the church.
In front of the cathedral, descend the flight of stairs to reach the Crypte Archéologique, an archaeological museum. It is home to the subterranean view of the city, dating back to the 1st century. In 2012, 3D video touch panels have been installed for making the tour informative and interactive.
The cathedral conducts a free Light and Sound Show every Saturday and Sunday at 9:15 p.m. The recreation of the history by the show is remarkable. Special tours are also conducted in the cathedral. Check the official website for latest updates on the tours.
The cathedral has been filmed in two popular Hollywood films: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956) and Notre-Dame de Paris (1999).
Map of Notre Dame De Paris
Quick Facts
- The foundation of the church was laid in 1163, under the supervision of Pope Alexander III.
- The cathedral receives approximately 13 million visitors annually.
- There are 387 stairs to reach the top of the South Tower.
Where is Notre Dame De Paris
The historic Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral is located near the Hôtel-Dieu and the Police Headquarters (Préfecture de Police) in the beautiful city of Paris, France. The Charles de Gaulle Airport is located at a distance of 37.4 km from the cathedral (via A1 route). You may choose to travel in your personal car, bus, taxi, or subway to reach the church.
Address: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, Place Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris
Best time to visit Notre Dame De
The early mornings, between Tuesdays through Fridays, are the best time to visit the Cathedral. During the summer season and major holidays, there are long waiting queues. You may plan your visit to the cathedral accordingly.
Notre Dame De Hours
The cathedral opens daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on the weekdays. It closes at 7:15 p.m. on the weekends. The reception opens at 9:30 a.m. on the weekdays and at 9:00 a.m. on the weekends. It closes at 6:00 p.m. daily.
Notre Dame De Tickets
Admission to the Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral is free. You need to pay a reasonable amount of the entrance fee for entry to the Tower and the Treasury.
More about Notre Dame De
What are the coordinates of the Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral?
48.853130, 2.349891
Which are the interesting places located near the Notre Dame De Paris Cathedral?
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Louvre Museum, and Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Image credit : Atoma
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