Some Amazing Facts about Notre Dame-converted

Some Amazing Facts about Notre Dame

Constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, Notre-Dame de Paris
has centuries of French history built into its stone. The Gothic cathedral
reflects the prominent role of Paris as an economic and spiritual center in
the 12th century, and its scars from the French Revolution are reminders of
its long connection with the monarchy a connection that almost resulted in
its demolition. Thousands of tourists enter its doors each day to photograph
its rose windows and flying buttresses. On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out
at the cathedral, enveloping the iconic spire and much of the roof. Here are
some amazing facts about Notre Dame.

List of some facts about Notre Dame:

1. Recycled Architecture on its Façade

There are three portals on the western façade of Notre-Dame, each
laden with sculpted saints and sacred scenes. One doesn't seem to
fit, however the Portal Sainte Anne has a much earlier style than the
rest. Its figures, such as the central Virgin and Child, look stiffer in
their poses and less natural in their features compared to the other
statues. That's because this tympanum, or semi-circular area of
decoration, was recycled from a previous Romanesque church.

2. Got Damaged during French Revolution

The French rebels hated the religious authorities of 18th Century
France more than anything. As a result of this sociopolitical
phenomenon, Notre Dame suffered severe desecration during the
French Revolution.

3. A temple of Zeus lies below

Beneath Notre Dame lies an ancient Gallo-Roman city known as
Lutetia (52 BC). During an excavation under the choir, workers found
chunks of a sculpted shrine dedicated to Zeus. Archaeologists found
more ancient ruins there during the 1960s and 1970s, which verified
their original speculations.

4. Rose windows

Many people falsely think that the three rose windows only have a
decorative role. That’s far from the truth though. In reality, they
symbolize the “Holy Trinity.” They are designed in a way to give a
sense of divine presence and light pouring in the cathedral from
above.

5. Towers are not twins

At first glance, Notre-Dame’s two towers appear like identical twins.
Closer examination reveals that the north tower is in fact a bit bigger
than the south. As with all the elements of the cathedral, they were
built over time, and reflect how the cathedral is more of a collage of
architectural trends and leadership than the culmination of one
person’s vision.