Notre-Dame de Paris

architecture · Paris · history · Gothic

A Gothic Masterpiece. Notre-Dame is a cathedral built in the Gothic style, famous for its pointed arches, flying buttresses, and incredible stone carvings. It took nearly 200 years to complete, starting in 1163.

Island Location. The cathedral stands on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of the Seine River in Paris. This location made it easy to defend and an important center for the city.

Catholic Heart. Notre-Dame is the main cathedral church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paris, making it one of the most important religious buildings in France.

Legendary Gargoyles. The cathedral is covered with stone gargoyles and grotesque figures that were designed to scare away evil spirits and actually helped drain rainwater from the roof.

Literary Famous. The cathedral inspired one of the world's most beloved stories, Victor Hugo's novel about the hunchback, bringing even more people to admire its beauty.