Notre-Dame, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, has a rich and storied history that spans over 850 years.

1163: Construction begins under Bishop Maurice de Sully, with King Louis VII attending the cornerstone ceremony.
1220s–1250s: The nave, west facade, and towers are completed. Innovations like flying buttresses are introduced to support the structure.
1250–1260: The transept facades, including the iconic Rose Windows, are built by architects like Jean de Chelles and Pierre de Montreuil.
1431: Henry VI of England is crowned King of France in Notre-Dame during the Hundred Years’ War.
1789: During the French Revolution, Notre-Dame suffers vandalism; many statues and treasures are destroyed. The cathedral is used as a warehouse.
1804: Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned Emperor in Notre-Dame, reviving its prominence.
1831: Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame sparks public interest in saving the cathedral.
1844–1864: Architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc leads a major restoration, including the addition of the iconic spire.
1944: Notre-Dame's bells ring out to celebrate the liberation of Paris during World War II.
2013: Notre-Dame celebrates its 850th anniversary with new bells installed.
2019: A devastating fire damages the roof, spire, and parts of the interior.
2020–Present: Restoration efforts are underway to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory and the doors are finally reopened after 5 years.

Notre-Dame’s history explained

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral exterior with tourists on a guided walking tour, France.

Early beginnings

(1163-1182)

The story of Notre-Dame begins in 1163, when Bishop Maurice de Sully set out to create a magnificent new cathedral on the Île de la Cité, replacing an older church. With the backing of the French monarchy and the people of Paris, this ambitious project aimed to position Paris as a powerful religious and cultural hub. As you visit today, imagine the grand vision that started here, shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Rose window in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, showcasing intricate stained glass design.

Construction and architectural innovations

(12th–14th century)

The construction of Notre-Dame spanned nearly two centuries, with its completion in 1345 marking the creation of a Gothic masterpiece. The Cathedral introduced groundbreaking architectural innovations, including flying buttresses that allowed for soaring walls and larger windows.

Visitors today admire the iconic Rose Windows, intricate stained glass telling biblical stories, and the famous gargoyles that once served both as water spouts and spiritual guardians. These remarkable features made Notre-Dame not only a place of worship but also an enduring symbol of creativity and faith.

Notre Dame de Paris stone gargoyle and chimera statues.

Decline and Revolution

(18th-19th century)

After centuries of glory, Notre-Dame faced a rough patch during the French Revolution (1789–1799). During the Revolution, Notre-Dame was stripped of religious symbols, its statues and altars smashed and repurposed as a Temple of Reason in 1795. The once-holy site was turned into a symbol of secularism, with much of its sacred imagery gone, making it one of the most unexpected chapters in the cathedral’s storied history!

The twenty-eight statues of biblical kings located at the west façade, mistaken for statues of French kings, were beheaded. The cathedral came to be used as a warehouse for the storage of food and other non-religious purposes.

Victor Hugo statue in Paris, France, near Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Victor Hugo’s influence

(19th century)

In 1831, Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame did more than tell a story—it became a rallying cry to save the crumbling Cathedral. By making Notre-Dame a central character, Hugo sparked public outcry over its deteriorating state, leading to a major restoration effort in the mid-1800s. With Restoration costs as steep as 12 million francs, it stood testimony to the cathedral's enduring cultural importance.

Napoleon and the Cathedral’s role

(1804)

In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France at Notre-Dame, symbolizing his break from the Pope and rise to absolute power. This dramatic event cemented the Cathedral's significance in both French history and politics, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Notre Dame Cathedral interior during mass, Paris, France.

20th century and beyond

Throughout the 20th century, Notre-Dame stood as a living symbol of resilience and cultural significance, welcoming visitors from around the world. Despite suffering some damage during World War II under German occupation, the Cathedral continued to be a hub of worship and celebration. It hosted major events such as state funerals, royal weddings, and the beloved Christmas Mass. Today, its rich history and enduring presence make it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the heart of Parisian culture and heritage.

Notre Dame Cathedral facade with scaffolding during restoration in Paris, France.

The 2019 fire and restoration

On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire tore through Notre-Dame, causing the collapse of its iconic spire and damaging the roof, along with several statues. A staggering 750 tons of stone and lead were brought down in the blaze, and for the first time in over 200 years, Christmas Mass was not held at the Cathedral. Restoration efforts began immediately, with artisans and experts working tirelessly to bring Notre-Dame back to life while preserving its historical grandeur.

The fire of 2019 that shook the world

Notre-Dame Cathedral facade with Conciergerie Museum Exhibition 2022 in Paris.

The start

The Notre-Dame fire of 2019 was a catastrophic event that severely damaged the iconic cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019. The blaze broke out in the evening, quickly spreading through the roof and causing the spire, a beloved feature of the structure, to collapse. The fire also caused significant damage to the wooden framework and parts of the cathedral's interior, including the 13th-century wooden beams, known as the "forest," which were integral to the building's construction.

Notre Dame Cathedral restoration work with scaffolding in Paris, France.

The cause

The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental, likely linked to ongoing restoration work. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of firefighters and other emergency responders, many of the cathedral's most important artifacts, including the Crown of Thorns and the tunic of Saint Louis, were saved.

Notre Dame Cathedral restoration work with scaffolding, Paris, France.

The support

The fire caused a worldwide outpouring of support and solidarity, with millions of dollars pledged for restoration efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory, setting a goal of completing the work by 2024, in time for the Paris Olympics. The restoration has involved a painstaking process of rebuilding the damaged areas using traditional materials and techniques to ensure historical accuracy, while also integrating modern safety measures.

Archaeological crypt entrance at Notre Dame de Paris, France.

The impact

The fire was a moment of deep cultural and emotional impact, highlighting the cathedral's significance not only as a religious site but also as a symbol of French heritage and the shared history of humanity.

Notre-Dame today: Reopens with global celebration

Notre Dame Cathedral facade on Ile de la Cite, Paris, France, during a walking tour.

The grand re-opening

On December 7, 2024, after years of meticulous restoration, Notre-Dame officially reopened in a grand ceremony led by Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris. The event was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, Jill Biden, Prince William of Britain, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For visitors, this historic moment marks the revival of one of the world’s most cherished landmarks, offering a renewed chance to experience the cathedral’s breathtaking beauty and cultural significance.

Notre-Dame Cathedral facade with tourists using audio guides in Paris.

Restoration at its best

The iconic spire, destroyed in the 2019 fire, has been meticulously reconstructed to match Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century design, soaring 93 meters high. The roof, including its medieval wooden framework known as the forest, is rebuilt using traditional oak beams to honor its original craftsmanship. The Cathedral's facade, cleaned and restored, reveals the brilliance of its Gothic details and stone carvings. Inside, damaged vaults, the altar, and other architectural elements have been carefully repaired, preserving their historic significance. The stained-glass windows, including the famous Rose Windows that survived the fire, have been cleaned and restored to their vibrant beauty, with damaged panes replaced by skilled artisans.

Frequently asked questions about the history of Notre-Dame

What inspired its construction?

The Cathedral was built to replace an older church and demonstrate the growing power and influence of the Catholic Church in medieval Paris.

How has Notre-Dame been restored over the years?

Major restorations took place in the 19th century under Viollet-le-Duc, and periodic maintenance has been done to preserve the structure. The post-2019 restoration is one of the most ambitious efforts in its history which completed in December 2024.

What relics and treasures are associated with Notre-Dame?

Notre-Dame houses the Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus, as well as other sacred relics and artworks saved from the 2019 fire.

What is Notre-Dame’s cultural significance today?

Notre-Dame remains a symbol of French heritage, resilience, and faith. It attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a site of worship, historical remembrance, and architectural wonder.

How did Notre-Dame survive the French Revolution?

Notre-Dame survived the French Revolution by being repurposed as a "Temple of Reason" and through the efforts of citizens who safeguarded its structure and treasures.

Why is the Notre-Dame Cathedral considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Notre-Dame is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and historical importance as a symbol of medieval France.

Are there any hidden symbols or secrets in Notre-Dame's design?

Yes, Notre-Dame's design includes hidden symbols, like the biblical narratives in sculptures and gargoyles, which serve as spiritual and protective elements.

What can visitors learn about medieval France through Notre-Dame?

Visitors can learn about medieval craftsmanship, religious devotion, and the social and cultural priorities of the era through Notre-Dame's architecture and art.