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Notre Dame Cathedral France

Notre Dame Cathedral: From Pagan Past to Gothic Glory

by Pomy

Victor Hugo, a great French writer of 19th Century France, lived through the French political upheavals after the French Revolution. Therefore, he was deeply influenced by the 19th-century French political landscape and the role of the Church and its clergy, which he vividly depicted in his works. With his outspoken style, Hugo supported republicanism and social justice, especially in his later life stages. His deep concern with the inequalities of life in France is reflected through the characters in his novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame.Hugo draws readers into a medieval world where Notre Dame towers over society through Quasimodo, the bell-ringer, and the ever-watchful gargoyles. Those who read the novel are enticed to come to observe the grandeur of the cathedral vividly depicted in the novel. His vivid descriptions of the bells and the cathedral’s grandeur invite readers to imagine its towering spires and the profound role it played in shaping the lives of its inhabitants.

The Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral is scheduled to reopen to the public on December 8, 2024, after five years of restoration work due to the damage caused by the fire in May 2019. Ceremonial opening: December 7

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Facts, Figures, and Highlights

Administration

Owned by state since 1905 and Parisian clergy are only the administrators. State controls tower visits and conservation of the cathederal.

Building Structure
  • Height under the vault: 33m
  • Height under the roof: 43m
  • Height of the towers: 69m
  • Number of steps to get to the top: 380
  • Height of the Spire: 96m
  • Length of the nave: 60m
  • Length of the choir: 128m
The Pipe Organ

The current organ at Notre Dame dates back to 1731 when it was built by François Thierry. It underwent multiple restorations, including work by François-Henry Clicquot from 1783 to 2022. An extensive restoration in 1989 and 1992, introduced new stops and digitalization and the latest technological upgrades using IBM computers and SYNAPTEL micro calculators.

Every Sunday evening, from quarter to six, an organist (either a cathedral organist or a guest organist) gives a free recital.

The organ is comprised of five 56-note keyboards, a 32-note pedalboard, 113 stops and 7800 pipes.

The choir organ

The choir organ was installed in 1860 by Merklin, rebuilt by Robert Boisseau in 1968, and extended by his son Jean-Loup in 1992.

This choir organ is made up of two keyboards and a pedalboard, thirty stops, and 22000 pipes.

Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles and four Evangelists adorned the base of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Spire, with St. Thomas, the patron saint of architects, uniquely facing the Spire in contemplation, while the other statues look outward over Paris, symbolizing their watchful presence. All these statues survived the April 15, 2019, fire.

Church Bells

Details about the “Emmanuel” Bell:

  • Location: South Tower
  • Year Cast: 1686
  • Mass: Approximately 13,000 kg (13 tons)
  • Diameter: 2.61 meters
  • Tone: F♯2
  • Location: South Tower
  • Significance: Emmanuel is Notre Dame’s largest and most famous bell, known for its deep, resonant tone. It has marked important moments in French history and is considered the cathedral’s “voice.”

The other bells of Notre Dame Cathedral 

Bell of Chersonesos (1778, A♯2, 5,749 kg, South Tower) – Removed in 1913.

Angelique-Francoise (1856, C♯3, 1,915 kg, North Tower).

Antoinette-Charlotte (D♯3, 1,335 kg, North Tower).

Hyacinthe-Jeanne (F3, 925 kg, North Tower).

Denise David (F♯3, 767 kg, North Tower).

HF1 (1864, G3, 450 kg, Spire) – Removed in 2019.

HF2 (B♭3, 250 kg, Spire).

HF3 (Chapter Bell) (D4, 130 kg, Spire).

HC1 (1867, A4, 60 kg, Crossing).

HC2 (C5, 25 kg, Crossing).

HC3 (D♭5, 20 kg, Crossing).

Notre Dame’s roof, built from 1,300 oak trees and dubbed ‘the forest’ for its scale—equivalent to 21 hectares (52 acres) of woodland—was a testament to immense resources and craftsmanship. Tragically, this iconic roof was largely destroyed in a devastating fire that broke out on April 15, 2019, causing significant damage to the cathedral’s structure and interior.

Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most visited iconic places in Paris, has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural heritage. However, what many may not realize is that this renowned Gothic cathedral occupies a site steeped in an ancient, deeply layered history—one that stretches back millennia before Christianity spread across Europe.

The Pagan Origins of the Notre Dame Site

Long before the Notre Dame Cathedral was conceived, the site was a spiritual center for the people of ancient Paris known as Lutetia, Gallic tribes, and Roman settlers. During the Roman Empire, the place was dedicated to worshipping various gods, and an altar was erected in honor of Jupiter, the king of the Roman pantheon. Later, Paris began to grow in a concentric manner around this sacred space, with the Île de la Cité at its core.

The Christianization of Paris

By the 7th century, the Cathedral of Notre Dame was constructed when Christianity started strengthening and maturing. This early cathedral was a far simpler structure, serving the Christian community that had replaced the pagan worshippers of the Roman era. Nevertheless, when visitors enter the current Notre Dame, they aren’t walking into a structure from the 6th or 7th centuries. The present cathedral was built primarily between 1163 and 1345 under the reign of King Louis VII and the supervision of Bishop Maurice de Sully. The grand vision of this cathedral required the demolition of two earlier churches that had stood on the site.

The Gothic-style architects of Notre Dame crafted a magnificent structure meant to reflect the majesty and power of God, as well as the cultural significance of Paris.

 Gothic architecture, frequently dismissed as “barbarian” by its medieval critics, emerged as a revolutionary approach that transformed church construction. Though it may feel dark inside due to the looming ceilings and enormous stone structure, Notre Dame has been celebrated as the “Light of the World,” attracting pilgrims, worshippers, and tourists from around the globe for centuries.

Significant Highlights of Gothic Elements

The cathedral’s towering spires, massive stone walls, and soaring ribbed vaults create a striking impression of height and grandeur, making it a quintessential example of typical Gothic architecture. Its distinctive features include:

The Pipe Organ and Bells

The cathedral is home to one of the world’s largest and most famous pipe organs, installed in the 18th century. Miraculously, the organ survived the 2019 fire with minimal damage and has been restored and installed. After the restoration, it takes six months to harmonize and tune the organ, as precise tuning is necessary for such a humongous and sophisticated musical instrument.

Bell, South Tower Cathedral

Bell, South Tower Cathedral

It also features ten bells, including a grand bell named Emmanuel. The bells name “Emmanuel” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “God is with us.” This name reflects the bell’s spiritual significance and connection to the Christian faith. Notre Dame bells’ (Emmanuel, Angelique-Francoise, Antoinette-Charlotte, Hyacinthe-Jeanne, and Denise David) roar can be heard here.

For more information on pipe organs and bells, read the section “Facts and Figures”.

During the French Revolution, about 80% of church bells and pipe organs throughout the country—nearly 100,000 bells—were melted down for metal to make bullets. The only bells to survive were the three clock bells and Emmanuel, as well as the famous gigantic pipe organ of Notre Dame.

 Rose Windows

 Perhaps the most striking feature of the cathedral is the three large rose windows, which dominate the north, south, and west facades. These intricate stained-glass masterpieces are a brilliant display of medieval craftsmanship. They depict biblical scenes and flood the interior with colored light on sunny days.

The Notre-Dame fire on the evening of April 15, 2019, was determined to be accidental, with possible causes including cigarette butts from workers or electrical issues with the bells, though the exact cause remains unknown.

Ceiling and Vaults

The vaulted ceiling rises to great heights, creating an otherworldly spiritual atmosphere inside the cathedral. The web of ribbed arches that support the ceiling allows the structure to reach such impressive heights while also giving the interior its signature “skeletal” look.

Chapels and Choir

 From the entrance on the right to the cathedral, there are multiple small chapels, each dedicated to different saints. These spaces offer a more intimate setting for private worship and places of welcome. All day long, a priest who can speak multiple languages receives anyone who is seeking advice or reconciliation. The choir—where the clergy sits—stands in the central part of the cathedral, facing the apse, the semicircular end of the building where the altar is located. The choir was constructed between 1163 and around 1183 under Louis VII during conflicts between France and England. The choir was where priests, known as canons, held daily services. Over the years, various transformations occurred, including removing scenes from the original circular design and focusing on Gospel depictions.

Royal Chapel and Mary Panels

The wrought-iron grille following the apse leads to the Holy Sacrament Chapel. Above the choir stalls are carved panels illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary, including Mary at the foot of the cross and her reception of the cross from Christ.

The Portal of the Virgin on Notre Dame Cathedral’s west façade, installed around 1210-1220, illustrates critical moments in Mary’s life—her death, assumption, and coronation as queen of heaven. At its center, a Virgin and Child trample the serpent, symbolizing victory over Satan. Surroundings portray  biblical scenes, including Mary’s death and ascension, the four seasons, and the four ages of life, alongside a bas-relief showing Adam and Eve’s story of temptation and expulsion from Eden. Statues of saints and figures such as Constantine and Saint-Denis stand on either side of the entrance. These statues were rebuilt after being destroyed during the French Revolution.

Statue of the Virgin Mary

Further carved panels from east to west illustrate Gospel stories, such as the Nativity and Mary visiting Elizabeth. The statue is located over the center of the North doorway. The statue dates from the 13th century, though the child (Jesus) in Mary’s arms has been destroyed. Another statue from the 14th century inside the cathedral is considered more majestic. Moreover, four scenes from Jesus’ childhood are displayed above the statue of Mary. They represent key moments such as Jesus’ presentation at the temple and the massacre of the innocents.

Historical Treasury and Religious Artifacts

One of the cathedral’s most prized possessions is its collection of religious artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. These relics are displayed on special occasions.

Gargoyles, grotesques and Chimera

The gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral, based on medieval European designs, had both a practical and symbolic role. These stone creatures, often scary and monstrous-looking, were made to direct rainwater away from the building to stop water damage. Besides this, their eerie appearances were also meant to scare away evil spirits and remind people about the risks of sin. One of the most prominent grotesques is Le Stryge, aka “The Vampire”. The word “gargoyle” comes from the Latin gorge and Old French gueule, meaning “mouth.” Today, these gargoyles are iconic features of Notre Dame’s Gothic architecture.

Two famous gargoyles from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, perched atop the cathedral with a view of the city below

Chimeras, on the other hand, do not serve any purpose of water drainage but are more decorative creatures. Hundreds of Gargoyles and Chimeras are placed on various sites of Norter Dame Cathedral.

A Place for Worship, Wonder, and The Symbolism of Resurrection

Notre-Dame serves as both a place of worship and a major tourist destination. Visitors from all walks of life—pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment and tourists eager to experience history—frequent the cathedral at the same time. While some light candles and offer prayers, others gaze up in awe at the stained glass, grand architecture, and historical relics.

Notre Dame also holds deep symbolism connected to the Resurrection of Christ. Throughout its history, the cathedral has played a role in representing rebirth and hope for the city of Paris. The podium, where sermons and announcements are made, reminds visitors of the preaching of Jesus, while the apse and altar draw attention to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, celebrated in every Mass.

A Journey Through Time

Despite its modern restorations and repairs (including the ongoing restoration after the 2019 fire), stepping inside Notre Dame feels like walking through layers of history. The grand scale of the structure and the fine details of its Gothic craftsmanship transport visitors to an era when the Christian faithful sought to build a church that reflected the glory of God and the power of faith. While the outside world has evolved, Notre Dame stands at the heart of Paris, literally and metaphorically. It connects the city’s pagan past with its Christian present, allowing time and history to converge.

Aftermath of the devastating 2019 fire inside Notre-Dame Cathedral, showing charred beams and rubble scattered across the floor. Image source: Public Domain / News Coverage.

Aftermath of the devastating 2019 fire inside Notre-Dame Cathedral, showing charred beams and rubble scattered across the floor.
Image source: Public Domain / News Coverage.

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