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 10 meters (32 feet) in diameter and create a spectacular colour and light display on a bright day.
Although the cathedral itself is free to enter, there is a nominal charge to climb the towers. I would NOT recommend that those with a faint-heart or a perchant for clostraphobia attempt the climb as the passageways are very narrow and the stairs very steep.
In short, whether you are of the religious persuasion or not (I am not), you will find that cathedral is an impressive building, both from the inside and out.
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Apr 5th, 2003
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