Detailed history of Notre-Dame | Rise from the
ashes
- History
Notre-Dame, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, has a rich and storied history that spans over 850 years.
- 1163: Construction begins under Bishop Maurice de Sully, with King Louis VII attending the cornerstone ceremony.
- 1220s–1250s: The nave, west facade, and towers are completed. Innovations like flying buttresses are introduced to support the structure.
- 1250–1260: The transept facades, including the iconic Rose Windows, are built by architects like Jean de Chelles and Pierre de Montreuil.
- 1431: Henry VI of England is crowned King of France in Notre-Dame during the Hundred Years’ War.
- 1789: During the French Revolution, Notre-Dame suffers vandalism; many statues and treasures are destroyed. The cathedral is used as a warehouse.
- 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor in Notre-Dame, reviving its prominence.
- 1831: Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame sparks public interest in saving the cathedral.
- 1844–1864: Architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc leads a major restoration, including the addition of the iconic spire.
- 1944: Notre-Dame's bells ring out to celebrate the liberation of Paris during World War II.
- 2013: Notre-Dame celebrates its 850th anniversary with new bells installed.
- 2019: A devastating fire damages the roof, spire, and parts of the interior.
- 2020–Present: Restoration efforts are underway to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory and the doors are finally reopened after 5 years.
Notre-Dame’s history explained
Early beginnings
(1163-1182)
The story of Notre-Dame begins in 1163, when Bishop Maurice de Sully set out to create a magnificent new cathedral on the Île de la Cité, replacing an older church. With the backing of the French monarchy and the people of Paris, this ambitious project aimed to position Paris as a powerful religious and cultural hub. As you visit today, imagine the grand vision that started here, shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Construction and architectural innovations
(12th–14th century)
The construction of Notre-Dame spanned nearly two centuries, with its completion in 1345 marking the creation of a Gothic masterpiece. The Cathedral introduced groundbreaking architectural innovations, including flying buttresses that allowed for soaring walls and larger windows.
Visitors today admire the iconic Rose Windows, intricate stained glass telling biblical stories, and the famous gargoyles that once served both as water spouts and spiritual guardians. These remarkable features made Notre-Dame not only a place of worship but also an enduring symbol of creativity and faith.
Decline and Revolution
(18th-19th century)
After centuries of glory, Notre-Dame faced a rough patch during the French Revolution (1789–1799). During the Revolution, Notre-Dame was stripped of religious symbols, its statues and altars smashed and repurposed as a Temple of Reason in 1795. The once-holy site was turned into a symbol of secularism, with much of its sacred imagery gone, making it one of the most unexpected chapters in the cathedral’s storied history!
The twenty-eight statues of biblical kings located at the west façade, mistaken for statues of French kings, were beheaded. The cathedral came to be used as a warehouse for the storage of food and other non-religious purposes.
Victor Hugo’s influence
(19th century)
In 1831, Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame did more than tell a story—it became a rallying cry to save the crumbling Cathedral. By making Notre-Dame a central character, Hugo sparked public outcry over its deteriorating state, leading to a major restoration effort in the mid-1800s. With Restoration costs as steep as 12 million francs, it stood testimony to the cathedral’s enduring cultural importance.
Napoleon and the Cathedral’s role
(1804)
20th century and beyond
The 2019 fire and restoration
- Guided Tours
Skip the line tickets Notre-Dame
Skip the line entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral and exclusive walking tour of Île de la Cité
Take a 1.5-hour outdoor walking tour of Notre-Dame to learn about the architecture and history of Paris.
Benefit from an insightful local guide who takes you back in time, sharing intriguing anecdotes about the iconic Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité.
Admire Notre-Dame’s elaborate western façade and avant-garde flying buttresses while discovering how resilient the cathedral has been during the 2019 fire and renovation.
Explore the charming Île Saint-Louis and serene Place Jean-Paul II, beyond the Cathedral.
from
€39
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket
- 1 hr. 30 min.
