Notre Dame Cathedral, 2018

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, October 2018

Last October we stopped in Paris for a couple days on our way home from Spain and Italy.  The small hotel where we stayed was located just a few blocks from Notre Dame and we walked over to the cathedral and along the Seine several times.  

 View of Notre Dame from along the river

We walked all around the grounds of Notre Dame admiring the gargoyles and the carvings on the exterior, the river and the gardens.  Like hundreds of other people we also waited in the long line to enter and enjoy the interior of this magnificent historical church.  I had visited there in the Spring of 2012 when the cherry trees were in bloom, this time it was Autumn and the trees were starting to turn color.  

Looking up at some of the gargoyles

 

These statues on the roof had been removed for cleaning just prior to the fire

Carvings and relief statues 

The door on the left is the Virgin Mary doorway, the center door is the Judgement doorway, and the door on the right is the St. Anne  doorway.  The St. Anne doorway is the visitor entry into the cathedral.

When the news with accompanying videos and photos of Notre Dame in flames were shown it was shocking and so terribly sad.   Fire is one of the major dangers for old churches and one can only imagine how dry those ancient wooden timbers in the attics and spire must have been.  

 Approximate English translation of the plaque, "in the year 1163
under the pontificate of the Pope Alexandre III and the reign of King Louis VII,  Maurice, born Sully sur Loire, Bishop of Paris 1160-1196 undertook the construction of this cathedral in the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Notre Dame de Paris"

Bas-relief on the choir perimeter on the north side showing scenes from the life of Jesus

 Known as the Virgin of the Students, 17th century

It appears now that most of the items of religious significance and the interior artwork, organ and the stunning glass windows survived the fire.  Also, there is enough money to rebuild.  

 We walked down the south aisle and across the front of the main altar and the choir stalls.  This is looking back toward the South Rose Window.   There is another rose window on the north wall opposite this one.  The south rose window is also known as the Rose du Midi and was a gift from King St. Louis. 

 One of many stained or leaded glass windows

 Chandelier designed to look like the crown of thorns.  What is said to be fragments of the crown of thorns are preserved in a crystal ring and displayed on religious holidays and the first Friday of the month.

Close view of ceiling

The organ and vaulted ceiling. The ceiling was mostly destroyed in the fire but the organ was saved.

Closer view of organ and West Rose Window

It is mind boggling to think how many people have visited or worshipped in this cathedral and all the candles lit, the prayers said, the masses performed in 850 years. 

One of several side chapels

 The cross of glory and the Pietà

Many people poor in spirit, hope, money, and health have found solace and hope in Notre Dame.  Tourists have marveled at the size of the structure and the artistic works.  Over the centuries it has become a symbol of Paris and welcomes millions of visitors every year.  It is comforting to know that it will be rebuilt.

The backside of the building, showing some of the scaffolding that was being used during renovation.

Evening view