Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Rose Windows
The most notable of Notre-Dame de Paris’ stained-glass windows are its three rose windows. The rose windows are set in the north, south, and west facades of the cathedral. The south rose window, also called the “midday rose” was given to Notre-Dame Cathedral by the king of France Saint Louis IX. The rose windows of the cathedral have a diameter of 32-feet, wider than the length of a London bus. Many of the exquisite stained glass windows date to the 13th century. Sitting directly opposite the south rose window is the north rose window, also constructed around 1250. It is the only rose window that still contains most of its original glass from the 13th century. It depicts Mary enthroned holding the Christ Child, surrounded by kings and prophets from the Old Testament. The colors of the south and north rose windows were thoughtfully chosen, taking into consideration the effect of sunlight hitting the cathedral at different times of the day. The south rose window boasts more reds while the north rose window contains more blues. The west rose window is found above the entrance of Notre-Dame de Paris. The oldest window, originally completed around 1225, none of the original glass survives today.
During World War II, they were removed for safety and reinstalled after the war. The Stained-Glass Windows after the Fire Fortunately, all the stained-glass windows survived the fire in April 2019. They will undergo much needed restoration to repair smoke and lead damage, and wear-and-tear incurred over decades of weathering. When Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens to the public, these windows will once again cast a vibrant glow over the cathedral’s interior.
Flying Buttresses
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses are particularly remarkable and serve as a prime example of Gothic engineering. A total of 28 flying buttresses encircle the cathedral's apse and choir, with an additional two at the transepts. The cathedral's initial flying buttresses were incorporated during the 13th century when the concept was still relatively novel.
Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses are not just functional, but also visually striking. They gracefully frame the cathedral's exterior and contribute to the overall design's sense of balance and harmony. Each buttress is adorned with intricate sculptures and ornamental detailing, including statues of saints, angels, and biblical figures. The artistic quality and craftsmanship of these decorative elements further accentuate the flying buttresses' visual appeal.
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses have proven their durability over time and even played a crucial role in the building's survival during the devastating fire in April 2019. The fire caused significant damage to the cathedral's roof and spire, but the flying buttresses remained mostly intact, helping to prevent the collapse of the entire structure. Since then, these remarkable supports have been a vital part of the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts.
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses are particularly remarkable and serve as a prime example of Gothic engineering. A total of 28 flying buttresses encircle the cathedral's apse and choir, with an additional two at the transepts. The cathedral's initial flying buttresses were incorporated during the 13th century when the concept was still relatively novel.
Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses are not just functional, but also visually striking. They gracefully frame the cathedral's exterior and contribute to the overall design's sense of balance and harmony. Each buttress is adorned with intricate sculptures and ornamental detailing, including statues of saints, angels, and biblical figures. The artistic quality and craftsmanship of these decorative elements further accentuate the flying buttresses' visual appeal.
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses have proven their durability over time and even played a crucial role in the building's survival during the devastating fire in April 2019. The fire caused significant damage to the cathedral's roof and spire, but the flying buttresses remained mostly intact, helping to prevent the collapse of the entire structure. Since then, these remarkable supports have been a vital part of the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts.
Bells
There are 10 bells at Notre-Dame, all named after Saints. Marie, Emmanuel, Gabriel, Anne-Genevieve, Denis, Marcel, Etienne, Benoit-Joseph, Maurice, and Jean-Marie.
Most of the original bells from the cathedral were melted to make cannons during the French Revolution. New bells were not installed in the cathedral until the mid-19th century.
The South tower is home to the largest bell, Emmanuel, installed in 1638. Weighing in at 13-tonnes, it’s clapper alone weighs 1,100 lbs.
The bells survived the fire in April 2019 and today are still hanging in the bell towers as the cathedral undergoes restoration. They are undergoing cleaning and were rung on the 1-year anniversary of the fire.
There are 10 bells at Notre-Dame, all named after Saints. Marie, Emmanuel, Gabriel, Anne-Genevieve, Denis, Marcel, Etienne, Benoit-Joseph, Maurice, and Jean-Marie.
Most of the original bells from the cathedral were melted to make cannons during the French Revolution. New bells were not installed in the cathedral until the mid-19th century.
The South tower is home to the largest bell, Emmanuel, installed in 1638. Weighing in at 13-tonnes, it’s clapper alone weighs 1,100 lbs.
The bells survived the fire in April 2019 and today are still hanging in the bell towers as the cathedral undergoes restoration. They are undergoing cleaning and were rung on the 1-year anniversary of the fire.
The Fire
On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out under the eav and burned until the next morning Tuesday, April 16. Fire engulfed the spire and most of the roof. Thankfully, firefighters were able to control the blaze, saving the main structure including the bell towers and rose windows. Nobody was injured, and the Catholic relics housed in the cathedral and priceless works of art were rescued and brought to safety.
The cathedral is officially scheduled to reopen on December 8, 2024.
Though it was not be ready in time for the Summer Olympic in Paris, as was initially desired, visitors to the French capital can once again see Notre Dame's towering spire following the recent removal of the surrounding scaffolding.
On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out under the eav and burned until the next morning Tuesday, April 16. Fire engulfed the spire and most of the roof. Thankfully, firefighters were able to control the blaze, saving the main structure including the bell towers and rose windows. Nobody was injured, and the Catholic relics housed in the cathedral and priceless works of art were rescued and brought to safety.
The cathedral is officially scheduled to reopen on December 8, 2024.
Though it was not be ready in time for the Summer Olympic in Paris, as was initially desired, visitors to the French capital can once again see Notre Dame's towering spire following the recent removal of the surrounding scaffolding.
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