Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Tournai

Advantages: Grand example of church history and architecture
Disadvantages: none

...Notre Dame Cathedral is a Parisian Catholic church which welcomes parishioners from all over the world, for worship, as well as travellers who come to appreciate over 700 years of divinity and fine architecture. I've been past it on several visits but this year fate called me in on a historic day, one remembered in sadness: the day the Pope John Paul II died. My sister and I walked around this massive, beautiful interior and we slowly realised the priest was praying sadly, amid holy incense and across the floor a growing 'pond' of candles around a photograph of the ailing Pope . We thought he had died but other visitors quietly advised us that he was probably in his last hours. That evening he died and the next evening we went back to Notre Dame and took part in his special Mass, attended by the French Prime Minister... Read review

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Advantages: Stunning Views, Free Entry To Inside of Cathedral
Disadvantages: Narrow Passageways, Poorly Lit inside (adds to ambience though!)

...Located in the very heart of Paris and on the Cité island in the middle of the river Seine, Notre Dame cathedral represents the apitome of gothic design. Although construction began at around 1160, it wasn't until 90 years later that the two towers on the west side were erected and another 550 years when the grand spire was added. The towers were to have had spires of their own, but these were never completed. In 1804, it was at the cathedral that Napoleon was crowned as Emperor of France. The 386 steps that take you to 69 meters (226 feet) from street level are well worth the climb, as you are rewarded with stunning views of central paris and beyond and the Gargoyles and statues that are built on the roof and facade just cannot be appreciated from ground level. Inside the cathedral the three stain-glassed rose windows are nearly... Read review

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Advantages: Its Magnificent
Disadvantages: Too many people

...The sun is shining! A casual walk down the Seine has chilled me out after my recent height skirmish and littlemissy and I have both tried out some absolutely gorgeous ice cream. The stroll has brought us to our next victim… sorry destination I mean. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, which after yesterday I really hope to get inside this time. Considering that the cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th century it is truly innovational. I have never seen a building that is so exquisite in my entire life. It is that stunning. Thanks to the tourist infestation yesterday littlemissy and I had not been able to explore the innards of the Notre-Dame. However it had given us the chance to get a good look around the exterior of the cathedral in its entirety and take lots of photos of gargoyles (woo hoo). The cathedral at certain points, even though... Read review

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