Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world
The Notre Dame Cathedral is a name that many people will know. Notre Dame de Paris is its full name, meaning Our Lady of Paris. The cathedral is built in the Gothic style and is a Roman Catholic church that is still in use today. It is considered by many to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
The Notre Dame received much notoriety from the famous novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' by renowned author Victor Hugo which was published in 1831. Today it attracts over 13 million visitors and pilgrims each year. In holding with the view that worshiping the Lord should be open to all, there is no entrance fee to the cathedral. Visitors are asked to dress appropriately and to be as quiet as possible so as not to disturb those who come to worship in its hallowed halls.
A number of significant events have taken place in the Notre Dame Cathedral. Some of those events include the coronation of Henry VI as king of France, the marriage of James V of Scotland to Madeleine of France, the coronation of Napoleon I, as well as the beautification and canonization of Joan of Arc.
The Notre Dame Cathedral was built on the exact site of the first Parisian Christian church, Saint Etienne basilica. The basilica was built on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter. Thus the Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes the victory of Christianity over the pagan Roman gods to some pilgrims.
Though the Cathedral was ravaged during the French Revolution, it has been beautifully restored. It is a shame that the statues and stained glass windows destroyed during that time are lost forever. In spite of this desecration the Cathedral still has many architectural features that must be seen. There are the portals, the west front with its two enormous towers and the stained glass windows that remain, including the various rose windows.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is visited by many people each day and hundreds come to attend the various mass services. If you truly want to experience the Roman Catholic church then this is the place to do it.
Nearby attractions: Sainte Chapelle and The Latin Quarter
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Notre Dame Cathedral
Fee: Access to the cathedral is open and free of charge every day of the year, during the opening hours. Donations are welcome if you feel it is appropriate. Access to the cathedral Towers is free with the Paris Pass otherwise admission charges apply.Category: Churches Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Address:
6 parvis Notre-Dame
Place Jean-Paul II
75004 Paris
France
Phone: +33 1 42 34 56 10
Reviews
Charlie K. May-12-2019
Due to the fire at the Cathedral only a few weeks ago, it has been closed off to visitors. Very sad to hear the news and the spire is now gone, but at least... Read More
Due to the fire at the Cathedral only a few weeks ago, it has been closed off to visitors. Very sad to hear the news and the spire is now gone, but at least...Nathan S. May-20-2019
Amazing work of gothic architecture. I've been to Paris dozens of times but have only been to Notre Dame once. Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed as a... Read More
Amazing work of gothic architecture.
I've been to Paris dozens of times but have only been to Notre Dame once. Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed as a...Sam M. May-07-2019
Accommodations near Notre Dame Cathedral:
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | Saint-Michel | 7 minutes |
| M10 | Cluny - La Sorbonne | 6 minutes |
| M1, 7, 11, or 14 | Châtelet | 12 minutes |
| RER B or C | Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame | 6 minutes |
How to get to Notre Dame Cathedral by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 4 exit at Saint-Michel Station and cross the road to your right and walk north straight across the Saint-Michel Bridge. You will already see the Notre Dame to your right as you are crossing the bridge. From Metro Line 1,7,11, or 14 exit at Châtelet Station and follow Rue Saint-Denis south and cross the bridge over the Seine. Keep walking south on Blvd du Palais and go left just before the next bridge. The Notre Dame is straight ahead. From Cluny - La Sorbonne Station exit and go east to Rue Saint-Jacques; then left (north)continuing across the bridge.
By RER: Take RER B or C to Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame Station and cross the Saint-Michel Bridge. Notre Dame is visible on your right.
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Photo Gallery
View of the Notre Dame from the River Seine cc licensed photo by Lynette Chea 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
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Photo Credit: aiva. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giåm - cc license via Flickr
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