Did you know? It took 200 years to complete the building
of Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. This was due to its huge dimension - 130m long
with two 69 meters tall towers - but also to the enormous cost of it. After 500
years of alterations Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored and is with the
Eiffel Tower the most visited monument in Paris. It is located in the historic
heart of the city on the Cité island...
Shows tickets & guided city tours
Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine River,
visit the Notre Dame Cathedral with a guide, get tickets for Paris best cabaret shows.
See:Paris city tours
History - Key dates
1163: The first stone of the present cathedral was laid by
Bishop Maurice de Sully.
1182: The High (Main Altar) Altar was consecrated, the ancient cathedral was
pulled down.
1200-1245: The façade was erected.
1250-1270: The transept was enlarged and the north and south rose windows were
installed.
1300-1351: The carved stone walls surrounding the choir were built.
1699-1723: The gothic choir was replaced by a baroque one.
1792-1793: Due to the French Revolution, the cathedral was closed. Paintings and
statues were taken away, metal objects were also taken to be melted down.
1801: Cathedral was rededicated to the Catholic Church for services.
1845-1864: The cathedral was restored by two French architects: Lassus and
Viollet-le-Duc.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral: Tips and opening hours
Practical and useful information to plan a visit
to Notre Dame Cathedral
Our tips for visiting Notre Dame Cathedral
Our tips: Notre Dame Cathedral is one of
Paris most famous landmark so expect very long queues. The best time to visit de
Cathedral is early morning before the crowd comes in. The interior of the nave
is of course a must see but most people miss the visit of the towers and the
great view from the top. The entrance for the tower is located outside the
building in the Cloître Notre-Dame Street... Be ready for the 387 steps!
Opening hours
The cathedral is open every day from 8am to 6.45 pm during
the week and 7.15pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance is free of charge.
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