Notre Dame Cathedral

Why Notre Dame Cathedral is special
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris is the most famous cathedral in the world - and has an interesting history.

Notre Dame Cathedral tips and insights
Construction
It took roughly 180 years to finish the structure (1163 to 1345).

Sizeable
The tallest spire is as high as a modern 27-story building. The cathedral can accommodate 6,000 worshippers.

Rose window
The 21-meter (70-foot) diameter northern rose window is the interior's highlight.

View
For a stimulating view of Paris, visit one or both of the two bell towers. There is no elevator - you climb up over two hundred steps in a narrow, spiraling, stone stairwell.

Best photo vantage
My favorite place for taking a photo of Notre Dame Cathedral is from the Archeveche Bridge (where the above photo was shot)

Name is not unique in France
Notre Dame means "our lady", referring to the Virgin Mary. There are also well-known cathedrals in Amiens, Reims, and other major French cities bearing the Notre Dame title.

When to come
Long entry waiting lines are common in the summer. Best to arrive early.

Location in France