The Notre-Dame of Paris

 Picture: Costa (2015)

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, located in front of the landmark of the city, had its construction begun in 1163, lasting 200 years. It is in her that we start our architectural tour through the most beautiful city in Europe!

This work reached the pinnacle of Gothic, presenting all the characteristics of this style. The rosettes - large circular stained glass - for example, are classified among the largest in Europe, with 13m in diameter. However, after the French Revolution (1789), the cathedral was severely damaged. Its restoration took place in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, a controversial scholar who inserted parts of the building that did not exist before the renovation - see the black pinnacle at the top of the church roof.

 Picture: Costa (2015)

The cathedral is one of the most emblematic monuments of Paris. For a long time, it was the tallest building in the city and the largest religious and cultural center in the historic heart of France. In the Middle Ages, it was the Royal Parish, a place of veneration of what is believed to be the true Crown of Christ brought by the crusader king Louis IX in 1239. If you are in Paris on the first Friday of the month at 3:00 p.m., it is very interesting to see the celebration where Holy Crownthe is exposed to the public.

 Picture: Costa (2015)

The south facade of the cathedral is surrounded by a beautiful, flowery park that leads to the back of the church, where one of the most famous bridges with padlocks is located. From there, frame a beautiful photo of the church's buttresses, architectural elements characteristic of the most perfect work of Gothic French.

Picture: Costa (2015)

On the west façade, the main one, admire the medieval images embedded in the entrances of the church. There are three portals in an ogival arch, Mary (left), Final Judgment (center) and Saint Anne (right).

Picture: Costa (2015)

They are funny the scenes of the hell described in the vestibule of the Final Judgment, that also had the intervention of Viollet-le-Duc. Approach them well to admire them!

Picture: Costa (2015)

Do not rush to admire the Kings Gallery, whose heads were torn during the Revolution and reconstituted by Viollet-le-Duc.