Some Amazing Facts about Notre Dame

1. Some Amazing Facts about Notre Dame Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, Notre-Dame de Paris has centuries of French history built into its stone. The Gothic cathedral reflects the prominent role of Paris as an economic and spiritual center in the 12th century, and its scars from the French Revolution are reminders of its long connection with the monarchy a connection that almost resulted in its demolition. Thousands of tourists enter its doors each day to photograph its rose windows and flying buttresses. On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out at the cathedral, enveloping the iconic spire and much of the roof. Here are some amazing facts about Notre Dame.

2. List of some facts about Notre Dame: 1. Recycled Architecture on its Façade There are three portals on the western façade of Notre-Dame, each laden with sculpted saints and sacred scenes. One doesn't seem to fit, however the Portal Sainte Anne has a much earlier style than the rest. Its figures, such as the central Virgin and Child, look stiffer in their poses and less natural in their features compared to the other statues. That's because this tympanum, or semi-circular area of decoration, was recycled from a previous Romanesque church. 2. Got Damaged during French Revolution The French rebels hated the religious authorities of 18th Century France more than anything. As a result of this sociopolitical phenomenon, Notre Dame suffered severe desecration during the French Revolution. 3. A temple of Zeus lies below Beneath Notre Dame lies an ancient Gallo-Roman city known as Lutetia (52 BC). During an excavation under the choir, workers found chunks of a sculpted shrine dedicated to Zeus. Archaeologists found more ancient ruins there during the 1960s and 1970s, which verified their original speculations. 4. Rose windows Many people falsely think that the three rose windows only have a decorative role. That’s far from the truth though. In reality, they symbolize the “Holy Trinity.” They are designed in a way to give a sense of divine presence and light pouring in the cathedral from above.

3. 5. Towers are not twins At first glance, Notre-Dame’s two towers appear like identical twins. Closer examination reveals that the north tower is in fact a bit bigger than the south. As with all the elements of the cathedral, they were built over time, and reflect how the cathedral is more of a collage of architectural trends and leadership than the culmination of one person’s vision.