15th Feb 2025: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France, is a world-renowned masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of French history and culture. Construction began in 1163 and took approximately 180 years to complete, finally reaching completion in 1345. The cathedral is adorned with striking features that exemplify Gothic architecture, such as its magnificent façade, vibrant stained-glass rose windows, and flying buttresses.

For centuries, the cathedral has served as a religious and political center of France. In 1804, it was the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation, and following both World War I and World War II, victory thanksgiving ceremonies were held there. However, during the French Revolution in the 18th century, many of its statues and sculptures were destroyed, and the cathedral fell into neglect. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame revived public interest in the cathedral, leading the French government to undertake a major restoration. Under the supervision of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, significant restoration work was carried out, including the addition of the now-iconic spire.

Entering the 20th century, Notre-Dame was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became one of the most visited landmarks in the world, attracting over 12 million visitors annually. However, on April 15, 2019, a devastating fire broke out during renovation work, causing extensive damage, including the collapse of its wooden roof and the 19th-century spire. The fire sent shockwaves across the world, prompting numerous donations from individuals and organizations for its restoration. The French government aimed for reconstruction to be completed by 2024, and on December 8, 2024, the cathedral reopened to the public. Five years after the tragedy, the restored Notre-Dame emerged more breathtaking than ever, a testament to what has been called the "restoration of the century."

Notre-Dame Cathedral is more than just a place of worship; it is a cultural and historical treasure deeply intertwined with French history, art, and literature. Through works such as Victor Hugo’s novel and Disney’s animated film The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, it continues to capture the hearts of people around the world. I had the incredible privilege of visiting the cathedral after its restoration, and experiencing its long and storied history firsthand was truly a profound and unforgettable experience.
This period corresponds to the Kamakura period in Japan. Although the cathedral has been restored, the fact that I can step inside a building that is over 800 years old, see it with my own eyes, and even touch it is an incredibly breathtaking and awe-inspiring experience.