Noteworthy Points:
- Notre Dame Cathedral, known as the largest religious building in the world. It is 130 meters (425 feet) long, 48 meters...
- The building consists of a choir and apse, a short transept, and a nave, surrounded by double aisles and square chapels.
- Two distinctive features of the architecture of Notre Dame are its flying buttresses and gargoyles.
What makes the Notre Dame Cathedral so iconic?
While nearly every European city has a massive stone cathedral, you may well be wondering what exactly it is that makes Notre Dame Cathedral Paris so famous. Well, for starters, the ecclesiastical building is the setting for the 19th-century novel, the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
What did it cost to build Notre Dame Cathedral?
The consolidation phase—between 2019 and 2021—cost 165 million euros (US$197 million). That money went toward the stabilization of the vaults inside the cathedral, as well as removing the scaffolding in place at the time of the fire.
Was Notre Dame Cathedral built upon a pagan holy site?
The pulpit of Notre Dame has been occupied by a succession of Dominicans. Père Henri Didon (1840-1900) was a Dominican. The house of studies of the province of France publishes L'Année Dominicaine (founded 1859), La Revue des Sciences Philosophiques et Theologiques (1907), and La Revue de la Jeunesse (1909). [4]
What type of architecture was the Cathedrale Notre Dame?
- There are three doorways on the western facade, leading to the inside of the Cathedral. ...
- The famous two towers of the Cathedral seem to be identical. ...
- Marvelous “ Rose window ” holds the statues of God’s first human creatures, ‘Adam and Eve’. ...
- ‘ Grande Galerie ’ serves as the connection between the two towers. ...
What kind of architecture is the cathedral of Notre-Dame?
French Gothic architectureThe Notre Dame Cathedral will survive a massive fire that threatened the 800-year-old Parisian landmark and, in it, one of the most famed examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.
What are three main features of the style of architecture of the Notre-Dame cathedral?
1) French Gothic Architecture. 2) Flying Buttress. 3) Glass Art.
What architectural features is Notre-Dame famous for?
Notre-Dame is famous for its rose windows, which are a typical feature of gothic architecture. They consist of circular windows fitted with stained glass, and Notre-Dame has three in total! All of them still have their original stained glass, which was fitted in the 13th century!
What type of architecture is Notre-Dame a great example of?
Considered to be one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral - along with the Eiffel Tower - is one of Paris's most famous landmarks.
What makes Notre-Dame cathedral unique?
One of the building's most significant innovations is its use of flying buttresses, which gave the necessary structural support for this huge stone edifice to house more than 6,000 worshipers inside.
What are the 5 elements of Gothic cathedral architecture?
While the Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.
What architecture is reflected in Paris Notre-Dame cathedral?
Notre-Dame de ParisHistoryStatusClosed/Under renovation after the 2019 fireArchitectureStyleFrench GothicYears built1163–134543 more rows
Why was Notre-Dame considered a masterpiece to French Gothic architecture?
The use of pointed arches allows for the piercing of walls and the installation of stained glass windows in clear and transparent colors. Notre Dame de Paris, admired by everybody for its remarkable brilliance, is regarded as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture.
What is the roof of Notre-Dame made of?
Notre Dame's now-destroyed roof was made of virgin oak cut into timbers in 1160, overlaid with large, thin panels of lead. Media reports on the fire estimate the weight of that lead at 210 tons (182 metric tons).
What are the 7 characteristics of Gothic architecture?
Gothic Architecture History, Characteristics and ExamplesLarge Stained Glass Windows.Pointed Arches.Vaulted Ceilings.Flying Buttresses.The Gargoyles of Gothic Architecture/ Ornate Decorations.
What are the 3 main characteristics of French Gothic architecture?
The main characteristics in buildings from French Gothic are the sense of verticality to enhance the connection with God, the Latin cross layout for the plan, open and illuminated interiors with plenty of windows and stained glass, and the gargoyles to drain rainwater and encourage people to go into the church.
Is the Notre-Dame cathedral Romanesque or Gothic?
GothicNotre-Dame de Paris is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris, located on the Île de la Cité. It is widely regarded as one of the finest monuments of Gothic French architecture. Its sculptures and stained glass contrast with the Romanesque style.
Why was the Cathedral important to the French Revolution?
The revolution destroyed various prominent sculptures and statues of the Cathedral.
What is Notre-Dame famous for?
It is famous for its size, antiquity, and distinctive architectural features. The architecture of Notre Dame is surely worth admiration. Let us take a brief dive into the Cathedral of Notre Dame Architecture.
How wide is Notre-Dame Cathedral?
Architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The cathedral is roughly 128 metres (420 ft) in length, and 12 metres (39 ft) wide in the nave. Its cruciform plan, elevated nave, transept and tower were borrowed from 11th-century Romanesque architecture, but its pointed arches and rib vaulting were strictly Gothic. Indeed, it was one of the first Gothic ...
When was Notre-Dame Cathedral restored?
In 1991 , Notre-Dame Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of culturally important sites.
What is the cathedral known for?
The cathedral is renowned for the naturalism of its gothic sculpture as well as its sublime stained glass art, typifying the improvements made over the previous era of Romanesque Architecture and Romanesque sculpture (c.1000-1200).
What were the first Gothic cathedrals to have arched exterior supports?
Indeed, it was one of the first Gothic cathedrals to have arched exterior supports known as "flying buttresses". These were not incorporated into the initial architecture of the building, but were included when stress fractures began to appear in the thin upper walls as they cracked under the weight of the vault.
What are some examples of Gothic architecture in Paris?
east. Notice the flying buttresses. circling and supporting the apse. Architecture Glossary. Considered to be one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral - along with the Eiffel Tower - is one of Paris's most famous landmarks.
Why is Notre-Dame so famous?
Notre-Dame is also famous for its external statues and gargoyles arranged around the outside to serve as extra column supports and drainage pipes.
What is the south door of the Cathedral?
The cathedral's transept portals are also richly decorated with architectural relief sculpture; the south door features scenes from the lives of Saint Stephen along with other local saints, while the decorations around the north door depict the infancy of Christ and the tale of Theophilus. Gothic Cathedral Builders.
When was Notre-Dame de Paris built?
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is known the world over as an iconic symbol of Paris. Its construction began in 1163 and continued for the next 200 years.
What was Notre-Dame damaged by?
Throughout the centuries, Notre-Dame has sustained significant damage from wars, uprisings, and exposure to the natural elements. One of the most destructive events occurred during the French Revolution when the landmark was nearly demolished. The Cathedral was saved from destruction by Napoleon, who ordered its repair be completed in time ...
What is the most famous architectural building in the world?
Architectural Buildings Of The World: Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Notre-Dame's towers are not identical. Notre-Dame's fire burned for seven hours. Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is known the world over as an iconic symbol of Paris. Its construction began in 1163 and continued for the next 200 years.
How long did it take for the Paris landmark to be restored?
President Macron vowed Paris’s iconic landmark would be restored within five years and called for an international competition for the redesign of the spire and roof. His efforts were met unfavorably. Macron was criticized for not incorporating the entire structure into the design plans. After intense debates, the decision was made to rebuild ...
What is the most famous example of French Gothic architecture?
The Cathedral is an impressive example of French Gothic Architecture and is easily recognizable by its dramatic towers, tapered spire, colorful stained glass and detailed sanitary.
What is the Rose Window in Paris?
The West Rose Window was the 1st stained glass window created. It is the smallest of the three Rose Windows that adorn the Cathedral.
When will the Cathedral of Paris be restored?
In March 2020, restoration efforts to the Cathedral came to a halt for the health and safety of the workers and residents of Paris. On April 27, 2020, work on the centuries-old structure was resumed with social distancing practices put into place to ensure a safe work environment.
Du milieu du XIIe siècle au milieu du XIIIe siècle, première période de construction
La première phase de construction démarre en 1163 lorsque l’évêque Maurice de Sully pose la première pierre. Elle dure jusqu’en 1250 sous le règne de saint Louis. Les grandes étapes sont
Du milieu du XIIIe siècle au milieu du XIVe siècle, deuxième période de construction
Cette seconde période concerne des modifications et des ornementations. Les maîtres d’œuvre réemploient fréquemment d’anciennes parties romanes durant la première période de construction.
Modifications et aménagements au cours de siècles
Au cours de la Renaissance, les goûts évoluent et affichent un dédain pour la cathédrale. Le regain d’intérêt vient de Louis XIII lorsqu’il place la couronne de France sous la protection de la Vierge Marie. En signe de dévotion, il souhaite apporter des modifications à la cathédrale.
Viollet-le-Duc, architecte restaurateur
L’architecte intervient sur la cathédrale avec Jean Baptiste Lassus au terme d’un concours de restauration de l’édifice. La cathédrale tombe en décrépitude. Viollet-le-Duc dirige les travaux durant vingt ans. Il crée des modifications structurelles avec l’intention de se rapprocher de sa forme d’origine.
Who restored Notre-Dame to the Catholic Church?
With the Concordat of 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte restored Notre-Dame to the Catholic Church, though this was only finalized on 18 April 1802. Napoleon also named Paris's new bishop, Jean-Baptiste de Belloy, who restored the cathedral's interior.
What is the significance of Notre-Dame?
It is believed that before the arrival of Christianity in France , a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter stood on the site of Notre-Dame. Evidence for this includes the Pillar of the Boatmen, discovered beneath the cathedral in 1710. In the 4th or 5th century, a large early Christian church, the Cathedral of Saint Etienne, was built on the site, close to the royal palace. The entrance was situated about 40 metres (130 ft) west of the present west front of Notre-Dame, and the apse was located about where the west facade is today. It was roughly half the size of the later Notre-Dame, 70 metres (230 ft) long—and separated into nave and four aisles by marble columns, then decorated with mosaics.
Why is Notre-Dame not hosting Christmas mass?
For the first time in more than 200 years, the Christmas mass was not hosted at the cathedral on 25 December 2019, due to the ongoing restoration work after the fire.
Why did the masonry of the Cathedral of Paris deteriorate?
The stone masonry of the cathedral's exterior had deteriorated in the 19th and 20th century due to increased air pollution in Paris, which accelerated erosion of decorations and discoloured the stone. By the late 1980s, several gargoyles and turrets had also fallen off or become too loose to remain in place.
How many people visit Notre-Dame?
In 1805, Notre-Dame was given the honorary status of a minor basilica. Approximately 12 million people visit Notre-Dame annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.
What was the cathedral in Paris known for?
In the 19th century, the cathedral was the site of the coronation of Napoleon I and the funerals of many presidents of the French Republic . Popular interest in the cathedral blossomed soon after the 1831 publication of Victor Hugo 's novel Notre-Dame de Paris (better known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame ).
Why was the fountain in Notre-Dame added?
The fountain [ fr] in Notre-Dame's parvis was added in 1625 to provide nearby Parisians with running water. King Louis XIV, on the insistence of his father, Louis XIII, decided in 1699 to make extensive modifications to Notre-Dame. He tasked Robert de Cotte with the renovation.
What is Notre-Dame de Paris?
Notre Dame de Paris is undoubtedly one of the symbols of the city. While not the largest cathedral in France, is one of his most remarkable Gothic art. Bishop Maurice de Sully began construction of the new cathedral from 1163 on the site occupied by a former church dedicated to St. Etienne. The construction coincided with a period ...
What did Victor Hugo discover about the cathedral?
More recently, in 1965, excavations under the cathedral revealed the existence of the catacombs of Roman and medieval rooms. Victor Hugo wrote in his 1831 novel “Notre Dame de Paris”. His poetic illustration of the architecture of the cathedral enabled many to discover a different way. In 1804 he was crowned in the cathedral Napoleon Bonaparte in ...
What is the Cavaillé Coll organ dedicated to?
Particularly emphasizes its magnificent Cavaillé-Coll organ, Like most Gothic cathedrals, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Is notable for its large size, the regularity of its elegant design and the introduction of a new technical element, the flying buttress.
What is the most important center in the Middle Ages?
The Portal of Reckoning, the most important center displays sculptures representing the resurrection of the dead, an angel with a scale to weigh sins and virtues and demons who steal the souls sinful images that undoubtedly will have great weight in the unconscious popular in the Middle Ages.
What is Notre-Dame architecture?
Notre-Dame architecture facts. Inspired by Saint Denis cathedral, Notre-Dame architecture is a marvel of Gothic art. In the 12th/13th centuries, the rib vault, flying buttress, and pointed arch were invented and allowed increasingly tall and light churches.
Who encouraged the construction of Notre-Dame?
King Louis VII encouraged the project. The Church, notable residents of the city, and the entire population participated in the construction: some offered money, others offered their labor, while others offered their knowledge. Construction began in 1163. Notre-Dame was completed 109 years later, in 1272.
How many visitors does Notre-Dame have?
Notre-Dame Cathedral facts. Visits, 800 year history, architecture and dimensions. It is a little known fact that Notre-Dame had around 11 million visitors yearly until the fire which was more than Disneyland Paris, the most visited theme park in Europe. Many of them were tourists. Most of them were Catholics who came to pray and attend masses. Paris monuments.
What time did the Notre-Dame fire start?
According to the Notre-Dame spokesperson, the fire broke out at 6:50 pm in the attic of the cathedral. Around 7.50 pm, the 93m high spire of the cathedral, one of the symbols of Paris, collapsed. In a few hours, a good part of the roof of the building was reduced to ashes.
How big is Notre-Dame?
Notre-Dame is 130 meters long, 48 meters wide, 35 meters high. Its pillars have a diameter of 5 meters. The rose windows ( picture) have a diameter of 10 meters.
When did the Notre-Dame fire happen?
Notre-Dame fire facts. A tragedy occured on Monday April 15 2019 greatly affecting people all over the world. Several hundred firefighters intervened to extinguish the fire that broke out and ravaged the cathedral. According to the Notre-Dame spokesperson, the fire broke out at 6:50 pm in the attic of the cathedral.
Where is the best place to stay near Notre-Dame?
Hotel Melia Paris Notre-Dame is one of the best hotels near Notre-Dame. Located in a quiet street, 500 m from the Cathedral in the Latin Quarter, it provides free Wi-Fi. The air-conditioned guest rooms have private bathrooms and internet access. Some have views of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
What is Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral?
Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral is located in an urban context, within a special place known as the Ile de la Cité, or Island of the city. The River Seine provided a natural defense system to the island when it was settled during Classical Roman times.
What is the facade of Notre-Dame?
Notre Dame westworks facade is symmetrical about a central axis with a clear tripartite division, both vertically and horizontally (image 1). There are three sets of entryways on the westworks, reiterating the importance of the Trinity.
What is the entrance to a church?
the entrance to a church. one of the most sculptural areas of the church, located over the doorway. inspiring a feeling of awe, could be by scale, function or effect. large central area of a church, where the congregation is seated. aisles on the side of the nave allowing for a procession and movement of people.
When did Notre-Dame collapse?
Tragically in April 2019 , Notre Dame had a devastating fire with the spire and a large portion of the interior ceiling collapsing (image 9). Massive funds have been donated for a reconstruction which will take time, but Notre Dame will return to its previous grandeur and beauty.
Which area of a structure allows the most amount of light to enter through the clerestory?
Clerestory is one of the most dematerialized areas of the structure with the largest amount of glass. This area allows the most amount of light to enter through the clerestory. reduction in structure. an arch, pointed in shape, that reduces lateral thrust forces.
Old Decor
The initial phase of the decoration planned by the architect O'Donnell—very different from today’s—attracted much criticism. In fact, the wall behind the altar, which was very flat as dictated by English Gothic church tradition, had a large window that blinded worshippers by backlighting the ceremony.
Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur Chapel Decor
This chapel is striking because of all the natural light it lets in and its many decorations. The altarpiece designed by sculptor Charles Daudelin (1920-2001) is an imposing 20-tonne bronze piece measuring 52 feet high and 17 feet wide (15.85 x 5.18 metres).
Damage and Destruction
Restoration Efforts
- President Macron vowed Paris’s iconic landmark would be restored within five years and called for an international competition for the redesign of the spire and roof. His efforts were met unfavorably. Macron was criticized for not incorporating the entire structure into the design plans. After intense debates, the decision was made to rebuild the iconic structure in its original design…
The Rose Windows
- Ask anyone fortunate enough to have visited Paris’s Gothic masterpiece prior to the fire, and their most vivid memory is sure to be the Cathedral’s stained glass Rose Windows. The West Rose Window was the 1st stained glass window created. It is the smallest of the three Rose Windows that adorn the Cathedral. The other two windows, the North Rose Wi...
Plans For Completion
- Though the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris has had its share of setbacks, the French Government is committed to restoring the iconic structure for visitors from around the world to tour for years to come. There is still hope that the original deadline for completion in time for the 2024 Olympics will still be met.