Many around the world woke up to news today that a beloved and enduring landmark of Paris, France was burning. While nothing has yet been confirmed, officials believe the blaze may have started as a result of renovation work that had been taking place on the back end of the building. Many Parisians stood outside outside of the cathedral observing the destruction, praying and singing together.
The 850 year old materpiece of gothic architecture was originally commissioned by King Henry VII as a symbol of France's power within the European landscape. To many it has become a must-visit destination as the site of so much history.
As one of the lucky people who have stood inside Notre Dame and lit a candle at the altar, I wanted to commemorate what the Cathedral has come to represent for the French and people the world over by presenting a brief history of Notre Dame de Paris.
While construction on the Cathedral began in 1163, in the presence of Pope Alexander III, it was not the first structure built on that site. In anticipation of the ambitious Cathedral, the Basilica that first occupied the site was torn down to its foundations in order to make way for Notre Dame. In 1710, portions of a sculpted altar to Jupiter were discovered during an excavation under the Choir, possibly suggesting that the land had once been the site of a Roman temple, as part of the former Roman city of Lutetia.
Construction would continue in intervals until well into the 14th century, however, the Cathedral itself has been threatened with destruction throughout Paris' tumultuous history. The first incident involved rioting Huguenots, part of the Protestant Reformation happening in Europe. While the Cathedral came out of this period mostly unscathed, 28 of the statues depicting biblical kings were torn down and beheaded during the French Revolution.
The original bells, with the exception of the bourdon Emmanuel, were also melted down to make cannons. They would be restored in the 19th century, and then again in 2013. The bells are known only to ring during religious holidays, during visits from the Pope, or to commemorate times of triumph or tragedy.
Notre Dame had fallen into disrepair after this period until Napoleon decided it should be the site of his coronation in 1804. While the Cathedral fell back into public favor after this, it was Victor Hugo's novel, Notre Dame de Paris, that led to a large restoration effort. During this time, gargoyles were added to the exterior.
Many historical events have taken place at the Cathedral, including the beatification of Joan of Arc in 1909, as well as the crowning of King Henry VI of England as the King of France in 1431. With so much historical significance to France and beyond, it is certainly hoped that the Cathedral can be saved and preserved for future generations.
Comments
Post a Comment