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 governm...