Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral (translated "Our Lady of Paris") lies at the heart of the city literally and figuratively. Notre Dame sits in the middle of Ile de la Cite, one of two islands in the Seine River. The city of Paris began on these two islands and expanded out from there. The church was begun in the year 1163 when Pope Alexander III laid the cornerstone. The structure is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture; pointed arches, high vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows to allow light into the interior, and exterior flying buttresses to support the high arched ceiling. Notre Dame was almost destroyed during the French Revolution. It was restored by architect Viollet-le-Duc in 1841-1864. In more recent history, the bells of the church are being melted down to make newer ones and a better sound.
Our three visits to Notre Dame were at different times of the day as you can see from the pictures. Our first visit was at dusk. See the first photo of the facade with the blue evening sky. We visited it at night during a mass. Our last visit was during the day to see the interior lit up by the sunlight through the stained glass windows.
Read MoreOur three visits to Notre Dame were at different times of the day as you can see from the pictures. Our first visit was at dusk. See the first photo of the facade with the blue evening sky. We visited it at night during a mass. Our last visit was during the day to see the interior lit up by the sunlight through the stained glass windows.
