10 facts that make you want to visit Notre-Dame

Facts

Visiting Notre-Dame is like stepping into a world of history, culture, and spirituality all at once. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, passionate about history, or just looking for a peaceful, inspiring space, there’s something here for everyone. Take a moment to marvel at the breathtaking Gothic design, from the famous flying buttresses to the colorful rose windows and towering spires. Inside, you’ll uncover centuries of stories, from the powerful sounds of the grand organ to the intricate stained-glass windows that bring biblical tales to life.

Here are some interesting facts about Notre-Dame

1. Two centuries in the making and standing tall

The construction of Notre-Dame de Paris was no quick feat—it spanned two centuries, from 1163 to 1345, due to its ambitious design and stunning attention to detail. Construction of Notre Dame began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. What’s truly remarkable is that multiple generations of architects shaped Notre-Dame, ensuring it evolved seamlessly into the masterpiece we admire now—an enduring symbol of Paris. The flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and clever design kept this giant from toppling. It’s a masterpiece of medieval engineering that’s lasted the test of time—and weather.

Dive deep into the history of Notre-Dame

2. The sacred relic: Home to the Crown of Thorns

At the very heart of Notre-Dame’s spiritual story lies the Crown of Thorns, one of Christianity’s most revered relics, believed to have been placed on Jesus Christ’s head during the crucifixion. For centuries, this sacred treasure was housed within the cathedral, drawing pilgrims from across the globe. It survived the 2019 fire and is now stored at the Louvre.

3. The famous gargoyles

Although often thought of as purely decorative, gargoyles and chimeras originally served a practical purpose: they acted as rainwater spouts, directing water away from the stone walls to prevent erosion.

Architectural brilliance of Notre-Dame

4. Ringing bells from high above

The bell towers of Notre-Dame de Paris rise an impressive 69 meters (226 feet) above the city, housing 10 magnificent bells, including the world-famous Emmanuel. Weighing a jaw-dropping 13 tons, Emmanuel has been ringing since 1681, making it one of the most iconic bells in the world.

5. Victor Hugo’s legacy: Saving Notre-Dame

In 1831, Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame became a game-changer for the cathedral’s future. Back then, Notre-Dame was in dire need of help—crumbling and forgotten. But Hugo’s powerful portrayal of the cathedral as a character in its own right sparked a wave of public interest in its historical and architectural importance. The book's success reignited public interest and led to major restoration efforts, including the addition of the famous spire.

6. Napoleon's coronation

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte made history in Notre-Dame by crowning himself Emperor of France—and he didn’t need the Pope’s help to do it! In a dramatic display of power, Napoleon took over the crown from the Pope signaling his dominance over both the Church and the state. This bold move cemented his authority and boosted Notre-Dame’s status as a symbol of France’s dramatic political and cultural shift during the Napoleonic era. It’s a moment forever etched in the cathedral’s storied legacy.

7. The spire wasn't original

The spire that tragically collapsed in the 2019 fire wasn’t part of the original design. It was added in the 19th century during renovations by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

8. The legendary organ of Notre-Dame

With over 8,000 pipes, the organ at Notre-Dame de Paris is nothing short of extraordinary—a true masterpiece of engineering and musical artistry. Originally built in the 18th century and carefully restored over the years, this magnificent instrument has been the heart and soul of countless religious services, concerts, and special events. For visitors, hearing the organ in action is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a rare chance to connect with Notre-Dame’s cultural and artistic legacy. It’s been restored to its original form after the fire of 2019.

9. A forest of timbers

The roof structure, known as the Forest, was built using timbers from over 1,300 oak trees. Each beam came from a different tree, some dating back to the 12th century. Notre-Dame also hosted several beehives on its roof, installed in 2013. Remarkably, the bees survived the 2019 fire, adding a layer of hope and resilience to the cathedral’s story.

10. One-time wine cellar

In the 1790s, during the French Revolution, the cathedral was plundered and seized as public property. Anti-clerical radicals attacked the facade, removing biblical statues and decapitating them in the cathedral's square, in acts reminiscent of the guillotining of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Over the next few years, before Napoleon crowned himself emperor there in 1804, the cathedral was used for a variety of purposes, including storing barrels of wine for the Revolutionary Army.