Return to Paris Nearby: [ Notre Dame | Luxembourg Gardens | Races | Cluny Museum | Rodin Museum| D'Orsay Museum | Les Gobelins | Marais |Montmartre ]
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The cathedral Notre Dame is the metropolitan church of Paris. People have worshipped on this ground for 2000 years. Work was begun in 1163 by Maurice de Sully. Notre Dame is one of the last galleried churches and one of the first with flying buttresses. |
The chancel was built under Louis VII and consecrated in 1182. Gargoyles were added to accomodate the wide flying buttresses and throw rain water away from the foundations.
By 1255 the nave was completed, 28 statues of Kings Gallery, and the west front as high as the rose window. By 1245 most of the work was completed and St. Louis held a dedication.
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