Notre-Dame is perhaps second only to the Eiffel tower when you think iconic images of Paris. A n Catholic Cathedral, it is still considered as one of the best and finest examples of the Gothic architecture both in Europe. Completed in 1345, the Cathedral is incredibly large, 420 feet (128 meters) and 226 feet (69 meters) wide.
What makes Notre-Dame so famous, besides its age and the incredible stain glass windows are the flying buttresses. Initially, the cathedral wasn’t designed to have these iconic supports. Built up higher than planned, they needed some way to hold up the walls and thus entered the flying buttresses.
The rose window, pictured below, is one of the most beautiful examples of stained glass in a Gothic church. At the time labyrinths or circles for worshipers to follow on the floor were very popular. Walking along the path helped worshipers enter a meditative mood for prayer. Although no one knows why circular windows were popular at the time, given the difficulty in building them, we can guess it may have had something to do with the meditative state the kaleidoscope of colors brings to the viewer!
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IF YOU GO: Don’t miss out to see the five bells of Notre-Dame by just relaxing in nearby Paris apartments. Enjoy your stay and relish your memories.
Photo Credit: Flickr user martie1swart under a creative commons license.
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