Notre-Dame de Paris: a martyred cathedral that will rise again in 2024
Notre-Dame de Paris: a long journey spanning more than 8 centuries, just 300 m from the Sainte-Chapelle, the Clock Tower and the Palais de Justice on the Île de la Cité.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: from its modest origins to today
A simple royal parish church in the Middle Ages, later becoming a cathedral, commonly known as Notre-Dame, it is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and France. Located in the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, it serves as a Catholic place of worship and the seat of the Archdiocese of Paris, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The vision of Bishop Maurice de Sully and the influence of Victor Hugo
Construction began under the guidance of Bishop Maurice de Sully and lasted over two centuries, from 1163 until the mid-14th century. It suffered extensive damage during the French Revolution.
It was only saved when Victor Hugo’s book Notre-Dame de Paris was published in 1831. This novel, both a tale of compassion and heroism, served as a call to preserve the building, which was threatened with demolition due to its dilapidated state. It led to a major restoration between 1844 and 1864, led by architect Viollet-le-Duc, who incorporated new elements and motifs. For these reasons, its style is not entirely uniform: the cathedral displays features of both Early Gothic and Rayonnant Gothic. The two rose windows, adorning each arm of the transept, rank among the largest in Europe.
Victor Hugo’s book also inspired numerous films, songs, and a musical, Notre-Dame de Paris, which premiered on September 16, 1998, at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.
The Treasures of Notre-Dame de Paris
The cathedral houses priceless treasures. The building itself: towers, stained glass, sculptures, portals, rose windows, gargoyles, spire, chapels. But also its organ, historic bells, and of course “the Treasury of Notre-Dame”: reliquaries and relics, precious manuscripts, liturgical objects, and mementos of popes.
Before the fire of April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris was the most visited monument in Paris. It attracted around twenty million pilgrims and visitors each year, including fourteen million who entered the cathedral.
The cathedral in flames on the evening of April 15, 2019
The fire destroyed the cathedral’s roof and its 13th-century timber framework, the spire designed by architect Viollet-le-Duc, as well as several vaults forming the ceiling (those at the crossing of the transept, the north transept, and one bay of the nave). The following day, in an exceptional televised address, President Macron declared: "We will rebuild the cathedral, even more beautiful, and I want it completed within five years." So we will meet you there again in 2024 for its reopening.
The reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris
Work is on track despite enormous challenges in stabilizing the remaining walls. Another issue: the dispersal of lead melted by the heat and fumes, hazardous to the health of nearby residents. Everything has been secured, and reconstruction can now begin. Will the 2024 deadline be met, given the colossal scale of the work?
Can you visit the cathedral in the meantime?
In the meantime, Notre-Dame de Paris and the volunteer guides from CASA are offering free tours around the cathedral (about one hour).
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