Architect:
Interior Access
Sited on an island in the middle of the river Seine, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is an imposing Gothic building. Construction began in 1163 and continued until 1330. With its two towers on the western facade and a smaller spire on the nave crossing, the cathedral looks surprisingly large at close range. It is 130 metres long. The western doorways are very ornate with delicate carvings and sculptures. The remainder of the facade is decorated with sculpture and a large rose window in the centre between the two towers.
As you would expect, around the cathedral are the many flying buttresses, gargolyes, and statutes typical of this period. The interior of the cathedral is very dramatic with its soaring columns and vaulting.