While many people were preparing to commemorate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, Paris had a resurrection. The famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris reopened after five years of renovation following the devastating fires in 2019. Over its opening weekend, the iconic building brought together world leaders and faith followers, and added another must-visit attraction to your Paris visit. The resurrection of Notre Dame de Paris is crucial for France, as the country is battling political turmoil. Around the time of the reopening, France’s Prime Minister resigned, and President Macron faced a vote of no confidence. Although political turmoils are part of French history, Notre Dame de Paris has also been synonymous with France and its history. This post will do a deep dive into this beloved French historical masterpiece. It will highlight its history, impact on France, and why it is a must-visit attraction for travelers. Here is a dive into the return of one of France’s most beloved attractions.
Living in Paris when Notre Dame de Paris burned
As a traveler, I am interested in exploring interesting places and learning about their history to gain a deeper understanding of the country I am visiting, its people, and culture. Living in France for a year allowed me to visit famous attractions and learn about each attraction, its history, and its impact on society. One of the attractions I couldn’t see was Notre-Dame de Paris. I had scheduled to visit on April 19, 2019, after returning from a holiday trip to Germany. However, on April 15th, a fire broke out on the eaves of Notre Dame’s roof. Returning to France the following week, I witnessed the mixed feelings the French had towards the burning of the Cathedral. Some were sad because it felt as though a part of their history was lost, and others were angry because of how quickly the government and the wealthy were able to raise funds for the renovation.
To put it in context, in 2019, there were massive protests throughout France, referred to as the Yellow Vest Protest or Les Gilets Jaunes. The grassroots protesters were fighting for economic justice after witnessing a rise in gas prices and increasing living costs. They felt the government tax reforms did not benefit the lower and middle classes. Hence, people were upset after seeing how quickly governments around the world and billionaires responded to the devastation of Notre Dame, donating a total of almost $1 billion within just two days. The sympathy for the church’s legacy was met with harsh criticism. Many wonder why it’s easier to raise money to rebuild a church than to feed millions of people who are hungry worldwide.
This frustration added more fuel to the fire for the protestors back in 2019, and five years later, Notre Dame de Paris looms in the background as the French anger toward their political officials remains. However, it is worth noting why Notre Dame received such widespread support. It is a historical monument. Unlike other monuments built to commemorate historical events, Notre Dame is a monument that closely aligns with the shaping of France’s history. Hence, its reopening brought world leaders. No tourist should visit this iconic building without understanding its history and its impact on France’s society, culture, and traditions.
The History of Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s history goes hand-in-hand with France’s history. In the 4th century, Paris became the Christian “capital” of the Frankish Kingdom. Two centuries later, the first cathedral, Saint Etienne, was built. The Norman invasion in the 12th century resulted in the city’s growth. Bringing prosperity, art, and intellectual exchange with universities and colleges of philosophy and theory. In that environment, the history of Notre Dame was born.
During this time, believers went on crusades to Jerusalem and pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, retracing the steps of James the Apostle. Hence, Ile de la Cité, one of the two natural islands over the Seine River, became a crossing point. The influx of believers visiting the city and participating in commercial activity prompted the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, to build a new, large cathedral to provide believers with a place of Worship. Hence, Notre Dame was built.
As a religious symbol, it became the home of historical religious artifacts, such as the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the day of his crucifixion. This particular relic of Christ’s Passion arrived in Notre Dame in 1239 after Louis IX, Saint Louis, bought it from the financially troubled Baldwin II of Courtenay. Aside from the crown of thorns, Notre Dame also houses a fragment of the wood of the cross, which people believe was one of the cross’s crosspieces. There is also one of the nails, which measures 9 cm, that is located in this famous cathedral. Each relic is kept in a safe. The crown of thorns is housed in a crystal and gold tube, while the fragmented cross and the nail are also contained in crystal cases.
Over the centuries, Notre-Dame de Paris expanded. Its architecture became a model for other religious buildings. During the Renaissance, its appeal waned because people’s taste changed. It went through several renovations during the 18th century. In the 19th century, the cathedral almost collapsed due to severe weather and the French Revolution. Thanks to Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” the French government agreed to restore the Cathedral to its former glory. In 1991, it was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the cathedral remained a major center of worship for many Christians and one of the most visited monuments in France. Now that the cathedral is once again open after a five-year hiatus, let’s go inside the iconic masterpiece to help you prepare for your visit to one of France’s most prized possessions.
Inside Notre Dame de Paris
As you step inside Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, you are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of centuries of history, faith, and art. The legendary Gothic-style masterpiece, situated on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, invites visitors to admire its architectural grandeur and engage in a profound spiritual experience. The moment you cross the threshold into this sacred space, you walk into a time capsule, allowing yourself to appreciate the intricate details of the cathedral and marvel at the work of human imagination and creativity. Here is a look at not-to-miss discoveries inside Notre-Dame de Paris.
- Architectural Marvel
The first thing to note is its architectural structure. Notre-Dame boasts the very essence of Gothic architecture. Both the exterior and interior architecture are worth a thorough consideration. The exterior architecture continually innovates to ensure the building remains stable and does not collapse. It contains ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and exquisite stained glass windows, some of which date back to the 13th century. It includes four facades, with the west facade serving as the main entrance to the church. Other notable pieces not to miss while visiting Notre-Dame are its Gargoyles. Notre-Dame’s Gargoyles are mysterious creatures that act as the guardians of the cathedral. Their role is to protect the architecture from rainwater, which became a famous trend in medieval Europe. Its interior design includes the Apse, which was the first thing to be constructed, making it the oldest part of the sanctuary.
The cathedral’s vast nave stretches towards the heavens, offering an awe-inspiring glimpse of its vaulted ceilings, adorned with ornate sculptures and carvings that depict biblical scenes. Upon entering, you find yourself in the great nave, around which the arms of the transept extend, leading visitors towards various chapels and altars, each a veritable treasure trove of artistry and devotion. The quiet echo of footsteps on the stone floor resonates through the spacious interior, almost as if the centuries of prayers and hymns still linger in the air. The interplay of light and shadow created by the soaring columns adds to the cavernous feel, as does the sense of verticality that draws the eye upward, revealing a majestic, ethereal beauty. In the central space, you will find the Ambulatory, which consists of a double row of columns that form the aisles, allowing visitors to walk around.
- Stained Glass Windows
The second most notable part inside Notre-Same is the stained glass windows. As one of the breathtaking features, its innumerable stained glass windows illuminate the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors. As the hallmark of medieval architecture, the stained glass covers about a thousand square meters. Its implementation was to give anyone who came to worship a sense of entering a monumental setting. Some materials, such as the lapis lazuli, which created the deep blue lighting, came from Afghanistan. The most notable among the stained glass is the three rose windows, each set in a circular design and depicting a myriad of biblical figures and scenes. The North Rose window, completed in the 13th century, showcases serene blues and intricate patterns, while the South Rose window dazzles with vibrant reds and greens. These masterfully crafted windows not only serve a decorative purpose but also tell the stories of faith and history, capturing the hearts of those who pause to admire them. As you explore different areas within Notre-Dame, the Chapel of the Virgin, adorned with remarkable Gothic art, beckons with its devotional ambiance. Here, visitors often find solace, as the soft light filtering through the stained glass invokes a sense of contemplation and reverence.
- The Organ and Choir
Moving further into the cathedral, your attention is drawn to the magnificent organ, one of the largest and most intricate in the world. Built in the 19th century, this grand instrument has over 7,000 pipes, each contributing to the enchanting music that fills the cathedral during services and special performances. The location is significant as it faces Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified. It includes four straight bays and is closed by a semicircular apse with five sides. Imagine the harmonious notes reverberating off the stone walls, stirring the soul and inviting all who listen into a state of sublime reflection. Adjacent to the organ, the intricately carved choir stalls, crafted from oak, offer a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the craftsmen who made the building a masterpiece. Each stall features unique carvings depicting biblical figures and scenes, reminding visitors of the rich tapestry of faith that weaves through the fabric of this monumental church.
- The Relics and Altars
As your guided tour continues, the beauty of the altars captures your attention, each imbued with its significance and artistry. The High Altar, positioned prominently at the eastern end of the nave, is a testament to the theological aspirations of the cathedral. With its gilded decorations and stunning mosaics, it invites worshippers to participate in the sacred rituals held within the hallowed walls. One cannot overlook the presence of various relics revered by the faithful, such as the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been placed upon Christ’s head during the crucifixion. Displayed behind protective glass, this relic resonates deeply with worshippers, serving as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and devotion. The presence of such relics solidifies Notre-Dame’s position as one of the world’s foremost pilgrimage sites, which we discussed in an Easter post.
- The Western Facade
Earlier, we stated that the Cathedral had four facades. One of the facades that is a must-visit is the Western Facade. Its architectural style made it a standout of its time. With its large portals and visual harmony, the Western Facade provides a grand entrance for visitors, allowing them to marvel at its architectural beauty. Its geometric design served a deeper purpose than just constructing a square that will enable visitors to enter. The square represents the rational world, limited space, and the circle symbolizes the spiritual state, the unlimited, and the divine, which beautifully captures the sentiment of visiting Notre-Dame de Paris. On this facade, you will find three portals in its lower part. At the center is the Portal of the Last Judgment, on the left is the Portal of the Virgin, and on the right is the Portal of Saint Anne, each covered with biblical figures. Whether a believer or not, these portals allow you to understand the gospel and the history of Christianity through the images. Below the balustrade is the Gallery of Kings, commemorating the 28 generations of the kings of Judea, preceding Jesus. Above the Gallery of Kings is a small terrace featuring the Gallery of the Virgin, which depicts the Virgin Mary and two angels holding candlesticks, symbolizing sin and redemption. To complete your visit to this facade, go up the towers for an unforgettable view of Paris. Measured at 69 meters in height, they were once able to locate themselves from afar. Today, they still serve as a form of GPS when visiting the city of Paris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amid all the architectural and artistic marvels, Notre-Dame serves as a sanctuary for worship and prayer. It is more than an architectural masterpiece; it is a repository of faith, art, and history. As you walk through the nave, you may see parishioners participating in Mass, their voices rising in unison, creating an ephemeral connection that bridges the worshippers of today with those of the past. The atmosphere in the cathedral swells with an undeniable sense of community, reminding visitors that Notre-Dame is not merely a monument but a living, breathing entity where faith continues to thrive. Whether you are taking a self-guided tour or having a tour guide, remember to bask in the rich history and vision that led to the creation of this iconic monument. You can also attend a church service to experience Mass. It is free of charge and welcomes everyone, regardless of class, nationality, gender, or beliefs. Due to its popularity, it may be wise to make a reservation to avoid a long queue and delight in this sacred space.
As always, thank you for reading! I hope you learned a great deal more about one of France’s most cherished monuments. Please like, share, and subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips and destination highlights.
Until next time,
Bon Voyage!