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Being one of the most famous historical landmarks and churches in the whole world, Notre Dame has always stood tall, giving pride to its French people. This gothic cathedral is also one of the strongest and gravity-defying cathedrals that have survived many years despite the wars that France had to face in the past.
Notre Dame de Paris is probably France's most famous historical landmark-- and also the oldest. Before the Paris' famous Eiffel Tower was made, Notre Dame was France's greatest pride. The landmark remains tall at the heart of the city for many years-- centuries in fact-- and it has been accepting people's respect through the years. However, its history has now changed because of the massive fire that hit the cathedral last April 2019.
The fire that broke out was very massive, and it was one of the most tragic fire breaks out in history. Considering that the cathedral is very big, the fire was able to put the structure down into ashes, collapsing the medieval structure's spire.
The Notre Dame
One of the reasons why Notre Dame is very popular all across the world is because it is also the home to the crown of thorns relic. The relic is placed and located on the Ile de la Cité, which is the island in the center of the Seine. The subtle town was located just in the right place where goods are being passed and traded along the waterway. Businesses grew wealthy and successful. Thus, in the 10th century, Paris was labeled as the capital of a new and strong emerging European power.
Trading became one of Paris' most successful type of business and the city became reputable not only in Europe but all around the world. Traders, business people, and foreigners would go to Paris and trade goods to Parisian business owners and traders. Not only that, but Paris also became reputable when as a spiritual center as well. Paris was also able to establish a saintly cult around its local martyr St. Denis.
Notre Dame's history
According to tradition and history, Denis was a man who was beheaded on the hill of Montmartre, which is also known as the martyrs' mount by some people. He was beheaded in the between the mid and late third century A.D.
According to historians and religious people, Denis ran six miles while carrying his cleaved head. The spot where he was alleged to be where he stopped running, which is in the northern part of the city, the basilica was established to honor him. The structure was built in the 12th century.
One of the witnesses who were able to see how the Basilica of Saint-Denis was made was Maurice de Sully, who was also the Bishop of Paris during the 12th century. According to Maurice, he was astonished by the work of the architects who made the building. The structure was made in a new Gothic style where the ceilings were beamed with natural and abundant light.
With that, Maurice decided to make a cathedral that would become a rival to the basilica. He decided to put it in the heart of Paris, and it would become the wonder of Christendom dedicated to Mother Mary.
Maurice was able to get the financial help he needed for his structure because at that time, Paris' economy is booming in Europe, especially in France. Maurice was able to contact an architect to design the new church in 1160. The construction needed many demolitions of houses and existing churches that are seated on the Ile de la Cite. The first stone of construction was laid in 1163, and the ceremony was attended by Pope Alexander III.
Thus, the birth of Notre Dame started, and the construction lasted for two centuries, and it became Maurice's lifelong project.
