Notre Dame De Paris
Things to Do in Paris
When fire hit this venerable cathedral in April of 2019, thousands quickly donated to its restoration. Thousands more criticized people for sending money to a church and openly suggested the parishioners (and insurance companies) pay for the repairs. The latter group had not done their research. Notre Dame de Paris is not owned by any governing church body, but by the Republic of France, and it is not a religious shrine, but a marker of art, architecture, history and culture. It belongs to every human being on the planet.
Taking more than 100 years to build, this 12th century Gothic building speaks not just to the chosen worship of the day, but to the history of western culture itself. It was viewed then as the heartbeat of Paris, so more than just a place to listen to masses and pray, but a community setting, a peaceful and serene place of gathering and individual reflection. It is, in and of itself, a work of art, resplendent with towers, a soaring spire, staggeringly beautiful stained glass, statuary and art treasures that mark the evolution of mankind. Priceless.
It will take time to restore the parts of Notre Dame that were destroyed in the fire (so, before you plan to visit, check the website for the cathedral and see where things stand in terms of public access), but like we humans, Notre Dame de Paris will prevail.
Things to Do in Paris
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Notre Dame De Paris
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