Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

The Paris cathedral is closed until 2024

Information and tips about visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, the beloved church in Paris. Practical information about the well-known Paris cathedral can be found at parisbypierre.com.

In 2019, the beloved cathedral was in the news due to a major fire. The fire broke out late in the afternoon on April 15th. Because of the fire’s high altitude, it was difficult for the fire department to extinguish it quickly. During the incident, the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral went up in flames. It took until the next morning before the fire was under control.

A part of the interior of the cathedral was destroyed during the fire. Fortunately, many artworks and religious relics were saved from the fire. The cathedral’s largest organ was coated with smoke and dust but sustained no permanent damage. Unfortunately, the smaller organ of the Notre Dame Cathedral was destroyed by water.

The Notre Dame Cathedral will be closed to visitors until at least 2024 due to repairs.

Notre Dame Cathedral before April 15th, 2019

The most famous church in the world must be the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Paris cathedral houses three precious relics of Christ: the crown of thorns, a fragment of the cross, and one of His crucifixion nails. These religious items can be seen in the Treasury of the cathedral. The Treasury is open to the public; an admission ticket is required.

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France

The Notre Dame Cathedral is enormous. The impressive church is 130 meters in length, 69 meters in width, and 35 meters in height. The cathedral can accommodate 9,000 people. The tallest tower of the Notre Dame Cathedral has a height of 90 meters. The cathedral’s two front towers are both 69 meters high and include almost 400 stairs. The front towers are open to the public; an admission ticket is required. The use of a photo or video camera is permitted in the cathedral.

Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and Tickets

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most visited churches in the world. The impressive structure is free to enter. Only the front towers and the cathedral’s treasury require an entry ticket.

^{Façade of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France}

^{Interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris}

History of the Notre Dame Cathedral

In 1163, construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began. The structure was commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully. Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone for the new cathedral in 1163. The cathedral was completed in 1345. Historically, the Notre Dame Cathedral has been the central point of Paris. The cathedral is located on the island of Île de la Cité, which is located in the middle of Paris. All distances from Paris are determined by this point.

Sightseeing at the Notre Dame Cathedral

The facade of the Notre Dame Cathedral is divided into four sections. On the lower section, images relating to the story of Christ may be found. The second section is titled The King’s Gallery and portrays the rulers of Judea and Israel. The large rose window of the cathedral may be seen in the third section. The upper level of the cathedral includes the gallery and the two front towers.

As you enter the cathedral, you’ll see large pillars, the main altar, and the choir. The choir of the cathedral dates from the 17th century. The enormous organ is the centerpiece of the Notre Dame cathedral. Aristide Cavaillé-Coll created the magnificent organ, which has over 7,000 pipes. Only a few organists in the world are permitted to play this organ. During most masses, the smaller organ is used.

There are several bells in the tower on the north side of the cathedral. Each bell has its own name and weight. Denise-David is the lightest bell, with a weight of 750 kilos. Agélique-Francoise is the heaviest bell, weighing over 1900 kilos. The oldest bell of the cathedral hangs in the south tower and is named the Emmanuel.

Video: Notre Dame in Paris, France

How do I get to the Notre Dame Cathedral?

The Paris metro is a convenient and easy way to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral can be reached via Line 4 at the Cité stop or at the Saint-Michel stop.

Close to the Notre Dame Cathedral is a stop for the Paris Hop-on Hop-off bus. Click here for additional information

Close to the Notre Dame Cathedral is a boarding point for the Paris Hop-on Hop-off water bus. Click here for additional information