Notre-Dame de Paris – Free Audio Guide

In this free audio guide, you will learn about the most famous Catholic cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris (or simply Notre-Dame), located in the center of Paris, France. Join us on an unforgettable journey through the history, architecture, and secrets of this inspiring architectural monument.

Notre-Dame de Paris – Free Audio Guide

Notre-Dame de Paris (French – “Our Lady of Paris”) is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the island of the Seine River, called “Île de la Cité” (from French – “City Island”), in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Several attributes set it apart from the earlier Romanesque style, particularly its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its enormous and colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration. It also stands out for its three pipe organs and its immense church bells.
In this audio guide, we will talk about Notre Dame’s breathtaking design, interesting facts, exciting history, and what role the Pope, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Victor Hugo played in it. And of course, about the major fire destruction that happened in 2019.

Interesting facts and takeaways about the Notre-Dame

• Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1260.
• It was significantly modified in succeeding centuries.
• The cathedral is a widely recognized symbol of Paris and the French nation.
• In 1805, it was awarded honorary status as a minor basilica. As the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris, Notre Dame contains the cathedra of the archbishop of Paris (Laurent Ulrich).
• The cathedral still contains several Gothic, Baroque, and 19th-century sculptures, 17th- and early 18th-century altarpieces, and some of the most important relics in Christendom – including the Crown of Thorns, a sliver of the true cross and a nail from the true cross.
• Victor Hugo’s novel Notre Dame de Paris saved the church and led to reconstruction.
• In the early 21st century, approximately 12 million people visited Notre Dame annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.
• The northern part of Notre Dame in Paris is disproportionally larger than the southern one.
• The great organ of Notre Dame has more than 8 thousand pipes.