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A look inside Notre-Dame Cathedral
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Contents
Layout
- Traditional Gothic design: Notre Dame follows the Latin cross layout typical of Gothic cathedrals, with a long nave, transepts, and a choir.
- Vaulted ceilings: The ribbed vaulting creates a sense of height and lightness, drawing the eyes upward toward heaven.
- Capacity: The interior can hold around 6,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
- Floor plan: The original medieval floor featured a labyrinth design, a symbolic journey of spiritual enlightenment, although most of it has been replaced or covered over the centuries.
A deep dive into the Notre-Dame Cathedral interior
The Nave
- The nave, reserved for the faithful during services, was designed to accommodate a large number of worshippers, shaping the overall dimensions of the cathedral. It rises from the ground to the vaulted ceiling, forming the central vessel of the building.
- The design emphasizes verticality, with pillars, arcades, pilasters, and columns highlighting this upward flow. These vertical elements are balanced by horizontal arcades and capitals, creating a harmonious rhythm between the vertical and horizontal that defines the nave’s graceful proportions.
Ambulatory, Galleries & Pillars
- The ambulatory, located beyond the row of columns, allows the faithful to walk around the central space. Notre-Dame features a double row of columns forming the unique double aisles, and the ambulatory of the choir is distinctive in medieval architecture.
- Located above the pillars, the galleries are the same width as the aisles and feature paired windows with pointed arches. They are designed for choristers, with the grand organ placed in the western gallery.
- The round pillars, adorned with Corinthian capitals, resemble those of ancient buildings. In the second row, simple pillars alternate with those featuring engaged columns, carved from a single stone, which support the arches of the galleries.
The Altar & Choir
- At the heart of the cathedral is a grand high altar made of marble. Behind the altar is a dramatic sculpture, Pietà, designed by Nicolas Coustou in the early 18th century, depicting Mary cradling Jesus after the crucifixion.
- The choir area features elaborately carved wooden stalls from the 14th century. These are decorated with biblical scenes and saints.
The Organ
- One of the largest in the world, Notre Dame’s organ has 8,000 pipes spread across five keyboards.
- Some pipes date back to the 18th century, though the organ has undergone multiple restorations.
- It survived the 2019 fire and remains a symbol of resilience.
- The design of the vaulted ceilings and stone walls creates exceptional acoustics, perfect for organ music and choral singing.
Stained Glass Windows
- The three Rose Windows (West, North, and South) are among the most famous features.
- Each tells biblical stories and is an example of medieval stained glass craftsmanship.
- The stained glass and rose windows transform sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors that dance across the stone walls and floors.
- The North Rose, completed in 1250, has 80 panels and depicts scenes from the Old Testament.
- Smaller windows in the upper walls, the clerestory windows, allow natural light to flood the interior, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Side Chapels
- There are 29 side chapels, each with unique artwork, altars, and sculptures.
- Chapels were often sponsored by wealthy patrons or guilds during the medieval period.
- Chapel of the Holy Sacrament: Known for its peaceful ambiance, perfect for prayer.
- Chapel of St. Anne: Contains a 14th-century statue of St. Anne teaching the Virgin Mary.
The Treasury
- Notre-Dame's treasure, once one of the richest in Europe, consisted of liturgical artifacts. It was lost during the French Revolution, with items scattered or repurposed.
- After the Concordat, it was reassembled through donations from the Empire, popes, and sovereigns. The treasure includes relics from the Sainte-Chapelle, Saint Louis' linen shirt, and a penance discipline.
- It was plundered again in the 1830 riots, but Viollet-le-Duc’s designs helped restore it in the mid-19th century. Regularly expanded since then, the treasure's display was updated in 2012.
Frequently asked questions about the Notre-Dame’s Cathedral interior
What is the architectural style of Notre-Dame’s interior?
The interior of Notre-Dame is designed in the Gothic architectural style, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The interior emphasizes verticality, with tall columns and expansive stained-glass windows.
What is the significance of the stained glass windows in Notre-Dame?
The Cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, especially the three large Rose Windows. These windows depict biblical scenes and are masterpieces of Gothic art, designed to fill the interior with colorful light and convey religious stories to the largely illiterate medieval population.
What is the significance of the candelabras and chapels?
Notre-Dame has several chapels, each dedicated to different saints and important religious figures. The interior features candlesticks and candelabras that create a prayerful atmosphere, with candles lighting the space during religious ceremonies.
Can visitors see the crypt and the treasure of Notre-Dame?
Yes, visitors can access the crypt of Notre-Dame, which houses archaeological exhibits and displays about the Cathedral’s history. The treasure of Notre-Dame, which includes sacred relics, religious garments, and other treasures, is typically on display but not always open to the public.
What happened to the interior of Notre-Dame after the fire of 2019?
The fire in April 2019 severely damaged parts of the Cathedral, including its roof and spire. While the interior largely escaped destruction, the restoration process has been completed and key features have been restored, including the altar, organ, and paintings.
Is there a labyrinth inside Notre-Dame?
Yes, Notre-Dame had a labyrinth set into the floor of the nave until the 18th century. Pilgrims used it to simulate a journey to Jerusalem. Though it was removed during renovations, the tradition of labyrinths in cathedrals is part of its rich history.
Is there a specific relic housed inside Notre-Dame?
Yes, one of the most famous relics housed in Notre-Dame is the Crown of Thorns, which is said to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. It is an important object of veneration in the Cathedral.