Amazing architecture: Notre Dame de Paris
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This Saturday’s theme is Architecture Here’s the standard tourist photo of me in front of Notre Dame de Paris.
I chose this picture because my visit inside the cathedral was one of those “aha” moments in my life. We had been bustling around Paris doing all the touristy things. The weather was magnificent. Once we entered the massive doors to the cathedral, I wanted to rush around to see the various artwork and curiosities like the gargoyles.
Instead, my friend Bob made me sit on one of the small wooden chairs smack in the middle of the church and just breath in its history. He reminded me that this was much more than a museum. It was a place of worship and had been so for many centuries. As that thought sank in, a group of people paused before the Pieta at the front of the church. Without warning, the group burst into Alleluia. The sound reverberated throughout the cathedral sending tingles through me. A most powerful, spontaneous moment for which I felt truly blessed to have witnessed as well as heard.
Here are some factoids about Notre Dame de Paris:
Notre Dame de Paris (French for “Our Lady of Paris”, meaning the church in Paris dedicated to the Virgin Mary), is often known simply as Notre Dame in English
It is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in Paris, France, with its main entrance to the west. While a major tourist destination, it is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral (archbishop of Paris). Notre Dame de Paris is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
Notre Dame has its own official website with many links, photos and descriptions of the historical development of this church.
The choir great Pieta is from Nicolas Coustou (French sculptor born in Lyon in 1658 dead in 1733); It is a white marble stone statue of 2,3 meters high x 2,8 meters wide built between 1712 & 1728.
The Pietà placed at the end of the baroque choir in compliance with Louis XIII Vow has always been profoundly venerated in Notre-Dame in Paris. In front of Jesus’ corpse, the Virgin Mary looks up to Heavens with confidence. Although deeply sorrowful she seems to be awaiting an extraordinary event to happen. This fundamental moment just before the resurrection of Jesus is a source of meditation and prayer. One can pray standing in front of the baroque choir or join in the services that take place there.
The Kilometre Zero (called point zéro) of France is located on the square facing the main entrance of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris (48.85341° N 2.34880° E WGS 84). There, a bronze star is embedded in the pavement, marking the start of all French national trunk roads (routes nationales). The bronze star is considered the official centre of the city of Paris.
Newly restored, the venerable cathedral is more beautiful than ever. But if you can see her in full glory now, she still keeps many secrets she rarely or never unveils. To learn about those mysteries of the cathedral, go to this site: Secrets of Notre Dame.
The famous Rose Window (viewed from inside as well as the elaborate scrollwork on the outside of the window) of Notre Dame de Paris.
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March 9th, 2007 at 9:04:01 PM
That looks so BIG compared to all the tiny little people!
The cross shot is great - very beautiful capture.
March 9th, 2007 at 9:19:19 PM
Another place I would love to visit. Breathing in the history would be wonderful. Happy weekend.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:04:37 PM
one of the places i’d love to visit, too …
March 9th, 2007 at 10:07:14 PM
I can see why that would be an “aha” moment. I’m in envy of so many of you tonight with the amazing places you have been.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:44:00 PM
oh my, how fortunate you’ve been able to visit there! the rose window is stunning. gorgeous photos!
March 9th, 2007 at 10:59:29 PM
Stained glass windows always take my breath away and this one is on my list of things to see before I die. What a glorious building and how fabulous that you have been blessed to see it.
March 9th, 2007 at 11:58:41 PM
That would be a fantastic place to visit - I am so envious of all you folks that have gotten to see some of the world’s best architecture but at least I can look at it through your pics!
March 10th, 2007 at 12:26:56 AM
Paris is a wonderful city for buildings. I had a great time there.
I played too. http://photogfrog.livejournal.com/
March 10th, 2007 at 1:12:59 AM
great shot! beautiful place indeed!
March 10th, 2007 at 4:18:36 AM
Great photo and story.
Notre Dame is a beautiful building. Wonderful choice for the theme.
March 10th, 2007 at 5:35:51 AM
Notre Dame is such a beautiful cathedral, isn’t it? My husband and I were in Paris last October and really enjoyed our trip. We didn’t have the same experience as you, however, as no one burst into song!
Wonderful choice for architecture.
March 10th, 2007 at 7:07:50 AM
Magnificent photos! Notre Dame de Paris seems like a wonderful place to visit. I dream of going to Paris someday.
Thanks for sharing.
March 10th, 2007 at 7:28:09 AM
What a beautiful building — and what a wonderful moment.
March 10th, 2007 at 2:18:07 PM
Lovely building and photos. I’ll have to see it person next time I’m in Paris.
March 10th, 2007 at 2:37:00 PM
I’ve been there too
Mine’s up too
March 10th, 2007 at 3:49:43 PM
Magnificent!!! You were so blessed to make such a trip. Thanks for sharing it with those of us that will never see it in person.
My first Photo Hunters post is up.
March 10th, 2007 at 7:30:31 PM
Bob was right!! LOL
But I am glad you experienced that moment. Those are powerful and rare moments that you will never forget.
You said Pieta. Was that THE Pieta by Michaelangelo???
March 10th, 2007 at 8:24:41 PM
Great picture Larry! Excellect choice for The Hunt. Must have been an amazing moment in such an amazing place.
March 10th, 2007 at 8:34:00 PM
I need to get out of the USA more.
March 11th, 2007 at 10:42:39 AM
Cool pic - Larry!
When we were there it was covered in scaffolding!
Great photo of you and Notre Dame!
happy weekend
L
March 11th, 2007 at 1:23:15 PM
Nice photo Larry.