Notre Dame – History and Significance

Notre Dame de Paris stands proudly within the historic Île de la Cité, a natural island formation in the river Siene, where the medieval city of Paris was founded. The region forms the very centre of Paris whose history is tied into the religious roots of the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral itself holds religious prominence as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris and continues to be a fully functioning church today.

The Cathedral has been the site of several royal weddings and is perhaps most well known for the crowning as Emperor of Napolean Bonaparte on December 2, 1804. Widely acknowledged as one of the most excellent works of French Gothic Architecture in Europe and famously portrayed in literary fiction by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame is a huge touristic draw, outdoing even the Eiffel Tower in the number of visits received each year.

Notre Dame enjoys a most beautiful setting, with the bridges of the Siene lending it grace and a certain serenity. The western facade with the two mighty towers is the most popular depiction of the cathedral and houses most of its most notable features, including the massive rose window and the famous 13 ton bell “Emmanuel”. The three portals on this façade also sport beautifully sculpted depictions from the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ. Just above the portals lie the famous Galeries des Chimeres and the King’s Gallery.

Galerie des Chimeres

For a price of 8 euros, you can climb up the 387 steps of the Notre Dame (there is no elevator available) for a beautiful view of the city of Paris. To get to the top of the tower, you will have to pass along the delightful Galerie des Chimeras where you can visit and make friends with the famous Gargoyles and Chimeras of Notre Dame. In gothic architecture, gargoyles were widely used to drain rainwater away from the walls of a monument through the extended body and mouth of the gargoyle. Chimeras were more decorative in nature, spread out to keep the gargoyles company. Within the gallery, most of the chimeras are found seated or standing around the gallery, staring out mournfully at the city skyline. The most famous of these is Le Stryge, a grotesque figure depicted in a solitary and thoughtful mood, chin in hand, reflecting on the idiosyncrasies of the city spread out below.

Appreciating the Notre Dame

Its western façade is arguably the most well recognized, but the Notre Dame offers wonderful views from each its four approaches. The elegant rise of the flying buttresses on the Eastern end or the magnificent rose window on the Southern façade is equally appreciable. Take in Notre Dame from a distance, at different angles, to truly appreciate the magnificence of this architectural delight.