Notre Dame
History has always been one of my favorite subjects. I've always loved learning about the way things used to be, the way people used to live. Perhaps this has something to do with the universality of the human experience: when you dig down to the most basic aspect, all of our lives revolve around the same needs and wants. We need food, shelter, and water. We want love, comfort, power, a place to belong. The basic need of food means something different now than it did 200 years ago--even 50 years ago--but it is still something that every human must address. That idea can make one very philosophical, especially while travelling in such an old place as Paris. I'll touch on that idea more when I get to the Tower of London, but it really makes one think.
As I mentioned in my last post, Notre Dame is one of my favorite landmarks in Paris. Everything about the cathedral I find fascinating--the architecture (even though I'm no student of the subject), the history, the art. It sits literally in the center of Paris's geography and history. The cathedral was built on the Ile de la Cite, which is a natural island in the Seine (only two of those islands remain; the rest have been manmade). The island provided sanctuary and military position throughout its existence, whether it was the Roman settlers fleeing from the Huns, or the medieval Parisians protecting their city from the attacks of the Northmen. It also became the center for Christianity in the city of Paris.
Notre Dame is not the first cathedral in Paris. There were many, but in 1160, Maurice de Sully was elected bishop of Paris. It was under his authority that the Cathedral of Saint Stephen was demolished and the Cathedral of Notre Dame constructed. In 1163, the first stone was laid, and the building was finished in 1345.
Being in a building that is over 600 years old is an astonishing experience, especially when one considers American history. At the time of Notre Dame's construction, the area of the United States I call my home was inhabited by the Mississippian tribes--the mound builders. The Cahokia Mounds in Southern Illinois were constructed sometime in the years 600-1400; Emperor Constantine declared peace with the church in 313. Two very different cultures existing at the same time, both making great progresses in their respective civilizations and leaving behind something that lasted. Just something to think about.
One of my favorite parts of Notre Dame is the windows. In the days of electric light, it's hard to image what it must have looked like to worship in the cathedral with only candles and the light of day pouring in the windows.
And we can't forget about the gargoyles adorning the top of the cathedral. Though I never heard any of them sound just like George Costanza...
As I mentioned in my last post, Notre Dame is one of my favorite landmarks in Paris. Everything about the cathedral I find fascinating--the architecture (even though I'm no student of the subject), the history, the art. It sits literally in the center of Paris's geography and history. The cathedral was built on the Ile de la Cite, which is a natural island in the Seine (only two of those islands remain; the rest have been manmade). The island provided sanctuary and military position throughout its existence, whether it was the Roman settlers fleeing from the Huns, or the medieval Parisians protecting their city from the attacks of the Northmen. It also became the center for Christianity in the city of Paris.
Notre Dame is not the first cathedral in Paris. There were many, but in 1160, Maurice de Sully was elected bishop of Paris. It was under his authority that the Cathedral of Saint Stephen was demolished and the Cathedral of Notre Dame constructed. In 1163, the first stone was laid, and the building was finished in 1345.
Being in a building that is over 600 years old is an astonishing experience, especially when one considers American history. At the time of Notre Dame's construction, the area of the United States I call my home was inhabited by the Mississippian tribes--the mound builders. The Cahokia Mounds in Southern Illinois were constructed sometime in the years 600-1400; Emperor Constantine declared peace with the church in 313. Two very different cultures existing at the same time, both making great progresses in their respective civilizations and leaving behind something that lasted. Just something to think about.
One of my favorite parts of Notre Dame is the windows. In the days of electric light, it's hard to image what it must have looked like to worship in the cathedral with only candles and the light of day pouring in the windows.
And we can't forget about the gargoyles adorning the top of the cathedral. Though I never heard any of them sound just like George Costanza...
Obviously, if you're ever in Paris, you need to make a point not to just make this a photo stop. Go inside and get an audio tour or just walk around and appreciate the magnificence of this sacred place. And if you can, try to get there early so you can visit the roof. Maybe next time, I'll get to go to the top!
~Stay gold!
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