The Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most important historical monuments in Paris and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most visited sites in the city, worth seeing both from the outside and with a tour of its magnificent interior.
Why is Notre Dame Cathedral famous?
Entering this cathedral is like stepping back into the Gothic era and experiencing its incredible beauty firsthand. But there’s much more to the Notre Dame Cathedral than its architecture. Its rich history is captivating, and a visit will help you truly understand the stories hidden within this magnificent building.
Paris is undoubtedly one of the capitals with the most historical and touristic monuments in the world. Practically every era has left its mark here, with breathtaking sites that can still be admired today. Even its rivers hold special significance, as they’ve played a key role in shaping France’s history to this day.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in Parisian history and all of France. It has been the backdrop for countless historical events and has inspired numerous movies and novels.
Why is Notre Dame Cathedral important?
One of the key reasons for its importance is that the cathedral has not always been exclusively for Catholic and Christian worship. Its role has changed with the times, reflecting shifts in society.
As we’ve mentioned, Notre Dame is a prime example of Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and impressive stained glass windows. It was one of the first cathedrals to use these architectural elements, later influencing Gothic cathedral designs throughout Europe. Inside, you’ll also find a vast collection of art and sculptures.
Its appearance has evolved over time, so what you see today is quite different from centuries past. But if you’re planning to spend three days in Paris, there’s no doubt that Notre Dame is a must-see monument.
Visiting Notre Dame
The iconic Paris cathedral is an essential stop for any visit to the city. Your visit to Notre Dame should be planned out, as there are several key areas to explore, including the central nave, the crypt, and even a climb up the towers.
Before moving on, here are a few recommended activities around Notre Dame:
- 1-hour cruise on the Seine
- Guided tour of Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Louvre Museum
- Paris highlights in a 3-hour bike tour
Tickets for Notre Dame Cathedral
Entry to the main basilica of Notre Dame is free, so you can explore the cathedral’s interior without any fees. However, there is a charge to climb the towers or access the treasures in the crypt. (If you have a Paris Pass, there’s no additional cost for these experiences).
There are two ways to see Notre Dame’s interior: either on your own by purchasing tickets on-site, or, for a more in-depth experience, you can book a guided tour online, such as this Spanish-language walking tour of the cathedral with access to the crypt.
Additionally, in recent years, the virtual reality tour of Notre Dame has become increasingly popular, allowing visitors to compare the cathedral’s appearance before and after the devastating fire of recent years.
Notre Dame Opening Hours
The cathedral’s hours vary depending on the season:
- From April 1 to September 30, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- From October 1 to March 31, it opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m.
- In July and August, it offers evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until 11:00 p.m.
Tips for Your Visit
Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists that gather by mid-morning. This will allow you to enjoy the cathedral more peacefully and take better photos without as many people around.
We recommend joining a guided tour to get the most out of your visit, learning about the history, anecdotes, architecture, and art of the cathedral. If you’re up for the challenge of climbing several steps, don’t miss the chance to ascend the towers for a panoramic view of Paris.
After exploring the cathedral, take some time to wander around the Île de la Cité neighborhood, a charming area. Visit the Sainte-Chapelle and enjoy a drink at one of the local cafés or restaurants.
Remember, Notre Dame Cathedral is a sacred place, so respectful behavior is expected. Be mindful of the artworks and keep noise to a minimum.
The Aesthetic of Notre Dame Cathedral
If you visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll discover one of the world’s most stunning religious monuments, thanks to the various modifications made over the centuries, which today’s visitors can enjoy.
On the exterior, you’ll witness pure Gothic art, with all its intricate details preserved with precision. The design aligns beautifully with Norman Romanesque style.
Inside, the cathedral’s natural luminosity stands out, thanks to its large stained glass windows. The original cylindrical pillars add to the grandeur, contrasting with the architectural direction taken by later Gothic structures.
The wooden chair inside Notre Dame Cathedral is largely made from the same wood used in the 18th century, a testament to the careful preservation efforts for this historic structure.
If you’re short on time but still want a glimpse of Notre Dame, you can view it from the Seine River, as it’s situated close to the riverbank—an excellent alternative if you want to experience its beauty, even from a distance. However, as expected, we recommend a full visit, as it’s one of Paris’s most important tourist attractions.
Who Built Notre Dame Cathedral?
Architects Pierre de Montreuil and Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus were the creators of this grand religious site. A notable feature is Notre Dame’s unfinished towers, initially intended to be much taller.
In the crypt, you can also visit the Notre Dame Museum, which we highly recommend. For more information about Notre Dame Cathedral, you can visit their website at http://www.notredamedeparis.fr.
The Great Fire of 2019
The fire was a tragedy that moved the entire world and marked a turning point in the cathedral’s history. In April 2019, a devastating fire broke out, nearly destroying Notre Dame Cathedral, with severe damage to its roof.
Thanks to TV and the internet, we witnessed this heartbreaking event in real-time, especially impacting those who had visited this historical monument. Fortunately, the swift response of firefighters saved the main structure and many invaluable works of art inside, including paintings and sculptures.
However, a full assessment later showed extensive damage. This tragic event reminded Parisians and the art world of the fragility of our cultural heritage and the need to protect it at all costs.
Today, Notre Dame Cathedral has been fully restored, following lengthy reconstruction efforts. It now stands just as impressively as it did before the 2019 fire.
History of Notre Dame Cathedral
The earliest origins of Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame or Our Lady’s Cathedral, date back to the time when the Celts inhabited this land. During that era, the site was used for rituals and ceremonies traditional to this ancient civilization.
Later, when Rome conquered much of the world, including France and Paris, they took control of the area where the Celts had their sacred ceremonies, transforming it into a temple dedicated to the God Jupiter.
In 528 A.D., the first Basilica of Saint-Étienne was constructed on this site. Built by Childebert I, this basilica remained until 1163 and held great significance in society.
However, by 1160, Bishop Maurice de Sully believed that the upcoming cathedral lacked modern appeal. By the early Gothic period (shortly before 1163), society sought new architectural styles that would later influence modern construction. This cultural demand contributed to the decision to transform the basilica into what would become the iconic cathedral.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris began construction in 1163 and was completed in 1345 (182 years).
— Culturizando (@Culturizando) February 15, 2016
During this time, King Louis VII supported the construction project, contributing financially along with donations from people of all social backgrounds. This continuous support ensured that Notre Dame Cathedral could be completed, whereas many buildings of the time were left unfinished due to lack of funds.
Several architects worked on this ambitious project, with major modifications continuing until the 15th century. To this day, some debate remains as to whether the first stone was laid by Bishop Maurice de Sully or Pope Alexander III.
By 1182, religious ceremonies were already being held in the incomplete structure. At that time, many of the decorative elements that define the cathedral today had not yet been added; much of it still retained the appearance of the earlier basilica.
It wasn’t until 1250–1267 that the facade began to be remodeled, marking a complete shift to the Gothic style.
While Notre Dame was under construction, architects were also working on other significant Gothic cathedrals such as Reims Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, and Chartres Cathedral. These buildings incorporated more advanced Gothic features than Notre Dame. Despite their grandeur, however, they did not achieve the same iconic status in society as Notre Dame did.
For those planning to visit multiple attractions in Paris, we recommend getting the Paris Pass, which is worthwhile as it offers discounts and allows you to skip the lines at many locations.