Notre DameCathedral

Derek Phoenix

French 3

2/3/11

What is Notre Dame ?

• Notre Dame is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and Europe

• Notre Dame is the cathedral that holds the official chair of the Archbishop

• Currently held by Archbishop Andre Vingt-Trois

Who built it ?

• 1160 Maurice De Sully (named Bishop of Paris), orders the original cathedral to be demolished.

• Its completion took 185 years

When was it built ?• 1160 Maurice de Sully (named Bishop of Paris), orders the original cathedral to be

demolished. • 1163 Cornerstone laid for Notre Dame de Paris—construction begins

•1182 Apse and choir completed

•1196 Bishop Maurice de Sully dies

•1200 Work begins on western façade

• 1208 Bishop Eudes de Sully dies. Nave vaults nearing completion

•1225 Western façade completed

• 1250 Western towers and north rose window completed • c.1245–1260s Transepts remodeled in the Rayonnant style by Jean de Chelles then

Pierre de Montreuil • 1250–1345 Remaining elements completed

How long has it stood ?

• 1345-2011

What is its purpose

• Notre Dame serves its purpose as the pinnacle of French Gothic Cathedral

• It was used as a sanctuary to those with no protection