Fascinating history & facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

Visiting Paris? Don’t miss Notre Dame de Cathedral while in Paris. Read more to know more about the fascinating history and facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Paris is not only a choice for romantic vacations but also a utopia for history buffs like me 🙂 Considering my first visit (definitely not last!) to the City of lights, I wanted to cover all the top attractions and leaving out a few that will make me come back again 😀

Suggested Read – Places to visit in Paris in 3 days.

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Did you Know? You can go up to the Top of the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris using 387 steps!


After spending a few days in Paris, anyone would love to ride the metro/subway or maybe walk wherever possible. To visit the world-famous cathedral I walked over 2 km exploring every nook and corner and peeking into the little souvenir shops in the narrow lanes. Finally, when I caught the glimpse of the church from across the river Seine I was awestruck by the French Gothic architecture which took over 200 years to build.

Related Read – Things to know before visiting Paris, France!

candles 

Notre Dame Cathedral Architecture

The Notre Dame Cathedral stands tall at 130 meters and is almost 50 meters wide with windows as wide as 10 meters. Notre Dame de Paris is actually a French name for ‘Our Lady of Paris‘. The towers present amazing views of the city. It is always recommended to check the timings because I got there post 5:30 PM and it was closed by then. The famous twin towers in the front stand high at 69 meters. 

Related – See these Postcard Pictures from Paris.

notre-dame-jesus

Have you read about the interesting Facts about Louvre Museum?

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Interesting Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the top visited places in Paris. It is overwhelming to see such a massive structure with a fascinating history. I prepared myself with the facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral when I planned to visit which I present today –

Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: The Beginning

Notre-Dame was among the first building to use Flying Buttress – It was not intended initially, but as the construction started and when the thinner walls grew higher the structure wasn’t considered stable then the architects suggested to use the pattern.

notre-dame-journey

Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: Architecture

Till date, the cathedral remains the finest example of the French-Gothic architecture and at the same time, it is also one of the largest church buildings in the world.

notre-dame-interior

Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: French Revolution History

During the French revolution, the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris suffered severe desecration and many of its religious structures got destroyed. Towards the middle of the 18th century, Eugene Viollet-le-Duc commenced extensive restoration for the same. 

notre-dame-interiors

Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: Construction

The Notre Dame Cathedral’s construction originally started in 1160 by Bishop Maurice de Sully and post his death different architects worked on the structure which justifies the difference in the heights of western towers.

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Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: Time to Build

Although the Notre Dame Cathedral took almost 200 years to be built completely, one of the major change came in the 13th century when the North rose window was based on Rayonnant style.

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Facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral: Intricates

The Notre Dame cathedral has 10 bells and out of those the largest ~ Emmanuel is in the Southern tower weighing over 13 tons. 

While wandering around the Notre Dame Cathedral I found this beautiful sculpture. The sculpture beautifully represents the entire model of the Notre Dame cathedral in a single view. 

model of church

Quick Tip

Candles usually lay there for tourists to offer your prayers with but not mandatory to pay. However, it is really nice if you could leave some money in the drop-box. I dropped 1 Euro, you can do as you like, it is nice to be courteous!

Update – 16 April’19 – Notre Dame Cathedral Paris caught fire & most of the Southern structure including the roof is destroyed. French officials say some parts of the building & relics have survived. 

Have you been to Paris? Did you get a chance to visit Notre Dame Cathedral? Please share your experience with me!

Liked these unique facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris?? If so, please pin it for later…

— The Wanderer

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59 Replies to “Fascinating history & facts about the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris”

  1. Such a beautiful building. I am also a ‘history buff’ and love to learn about new things. I love how beautiful and pristine it has been kept. The architecture is very impressive and its cool to learn its one of the largest church buildings in the world. A very good read, thanks for sharing.

  2. I actually went to Paris years ago, but I didn’t enjoy my time there! It was my first time abroad though, and I think I was grossed out by how dirty Paris is. After traveling to more countries and experiencing more big city culture (and the constant onslaught of cigarette smoke), I definitely need to go back and give it another try! There are so many beautiful buildings in Paris, including the Notre Dame, and I definitely need to see it again to truly appreciate it! Thanks for putting together this little history of Notre Dame and reminding me how beautiful it was when I first saw it!

    1. Honestly I too felt a little underwhelmed as well. But I did enjoy my time there, I agree with the cigarette smoke, it was like..literally everywhere 😀 well, no place is perfect and I think we should just keep our expectations low especially from all the famous destinations. Thanks for taking time to read and let me know your thoughts 🙂

  3. Notre Dame is such a beautiful place, inside and out! These photos take me right back to Paris. We’ve never climbed to the top of Notre Dame, but it’s on our list for next time–the view is supposed to be incredible.

  4. So beautiful! I have been outside of the cathedral a few times but never actually inside. So that’s what it looks like! Love your photos, I’ve always wondered what it was like inside but there was always a long line to go in when we were there.

  5. So beautiful! I have been outside of the cathedral a few times but never actually inside. So that’s what it looks like! Love your photos, I’ve always wondered what it was like inside but there was always a long line to go in when we were there.

  6. Being a huge Disney fan, I’ve always wanted to visit because The Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of my favourite movies growing up! Unfortunately, I haven’t still. Your pictures really bring out the beauty of the cathedral and I’m thinking I should really make it a priority.

  7. I will definitely go to the Notre Dame cathedral when I will visit Paris. I had no idea that the cathedral had 10 bells and the biggest weights 13 tonnes. It is astonishing how the entire structure holds so much weight.

  8. This is educating. I’ve only seen Notre Dame Cathedral in pictures and admire it. Little do I know if it’s history. I love the Gothic architecture, it adds some kind of revered feeling when one comes in. I’d love to experience such feelings.

  9. The Notre Dame really is a must when in Paris. I love all the gothic architecture in these old churches around Europe, it makes you think of the history. Cool facts about the church, I never knew them before!

  10. We were in Paris during the summer and it’s always been one of my favorite cities! It’s so nice to learn the history of the Notre Dame! It has always been fascinating and stunning.

  11. I just love exploring the architecture of buildings like this. Notre Dame is so iconic, and your photos are beautiful. Those stained glass windows are stunning.

  12. The Notre Dame is definitely on my list of must-see places and I’ve really enjoyed reading this and learning some facts that I didn’t know. I am just amazed at the gorgeous architecture and can’t wait to see it myself someday.

  13. You have taken beautiful pictures of splendid Notre-Dame in Paris. Watching Notre-dame from river Seine must be so picturesque. You revived memories of my visit to Paris. Though it was destructed many times in 18th century, it is restored in a beautiful way. Really French Gothic structure is stunning.

  14. One of the bells weighs over 13 tons, wow, I never knew that! I agree that French Gothic architecture is stunning, and it’s so great to see it here in Notre Dame. It’s been a while since I last visited, and your post has encouraged me to see it again.

Let me know your thoughts..

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