Notre Dame $1.69 AUD
Category: Travel
The French term Notre Dame literally means ‘Our Lady’. It refers specifically to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus in the Christian faith. ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ is known as the mother church of all Parisians. Beyond Paris, it is also one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. The archbishop of Paris has his seat—or ‘cathedra’—here. Towering 35 metres high and big enough to hold six thousand people, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a fine example of medieval Gothic architecture. And its site is historical. Before Notre Dame was Saint Stephen’s basilica, which was Paris’ first Christian church. Before this, the Romans had a temple dedicated to Jupiter. So Notre Dame follows a great history of religious buildings in Paris. And its own history brings it present-day fame.In 1160, Paris was undergoing a period of great expansion and prosperity. The city’s status as the political, economic and intellectual centre of France was assured. Maurice de Sully was appointed Bishop of Paris during this time and wanted to give the burgeoning city a cathedral worthy of its status as France’s capital.
