Notre Dame

What do you see when you look up to the top of the great cathedral of Notre Dame? You see monsters, half-man and half-beast. These demon looking creatures carved out of stone are called gargoyles. They are one of the many eerie stone figures that adorn the gutters of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Gargoyle comes from a Latin word, meaning gullet or drain. That's what the strange looking creatures are, they're drainpipes. Each grotesque figure has a passageway inside that carries rainwater from the roof and out through the gargoyle's mouth. From the top of the cathedral's towers the gargoyles have a magnificent view of the city.
The conspicuous stone gargoyles have carried rain from the roof of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame for move than six hundred years. Down through the years they allowed rainwater to fall free of the cathedral, thus preventing damage to the masonry. Some believing in superstition claim that the grotesque figures frighten away evil spirits along with serving its practical duty. After the introduction of the lead drain pipe in the 16th century the gargoyle's notoriety faded out but they were still used as decorations.
I would highly recommend the 376-step climb up the tower, not just to see the Gargoyles but also to share their view of the city spread out below.

If you don't visit any buildings but one in Paris, Notre Dame is the place to go. It is breathtaking inside and out and will leave you speechless.

Notre Dame is great to visit. Try to go to a church service if you can on Sunday. If you want to light a candle in remembrance of someone, please make sure to leave a donation in the boxes they have. The church is beautiful and the tour to the bell tour gives you a great view of the city. There is also a small park or sitting area on the back side of the church.

Notre Dame de Paris is by far the most beautiful man made place I have ever visited. With its stone walls, gargoyles, stained glass windows, flying buttresses and beautiful garden, it is a sight to be seen. It is the finest example of French Gotchic architecture you will ever lay your eyes upon.
Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first Gothic cathedrals and it’s construction spanned throughout the entire Gothic period. Construction began in 1163 during the Louis VII reign. It was also one of the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress support system. The original plans for the cathedral did not include the buttresses around the choir and the nave however after construction began and the walls were built taller and taller, stress fractures began to appear and the building called for additional support.
During the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century many of the cathedral’s treasures were either plundered or destroyed. Several of the statues of biblical kings of Judea were beheaded after being mistaken as statues of French kings. In 1977 several of the heads were found on an excavation sight and are now on display at the Musee de Cluny.
Each time that I have stepped foot inside of the cathedral I have been overcome with a sense of awe. The cathedral is so beautiful and the artwork inside is so moving that it brings tears to your eyes. If the cathedral is so awe inspiring today, I can only imagine how ancient Christian’s must have felt upon seeing the cathedral. While I visited the cathedral on my last visit I was told that many people converted to Catholicism after seeing Notre Dame when it was first opened to the public simply because it was so grand. I can certainly see why. It is absolutely breathtaking.
There is a complete Zen like aura that is present in the cathedral. With the organs sounding, choirs singing Gregorian hymns and candle light dancing on the walls, it is amazing. It is these things that will continue to draw me back to Notre Dame on each of my future visits to Notre Dame. It is hard to believe that during the early 19th century city planners actually discussed demolishing the cathedral because it was in great disrepair. It was then that author Victor Hugo wrote his famous The Hunchback of Notre Dame in order to raise awareness of the cathedral’s history.
For a small donation you can light a prayer candle in one of those most beautiful religious edifice’s in the world.
In the courtyard outside of Notre Dame there is a plaque built amongst the pavers. This is known as France’s “Point Zero” and is the reference point for distances along all of the highways starting in Paris. Tradition states that tourists who stand on Point Zero will one day return to Paris. Unfortunately, on each visit I’ve failed to stand on this point, however, I’ve managed to return. Thank God!