The Notre Dame Cathedral In Paris.

Visitors from all over the world visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris every year. It is one of the great things to do while you are in Paris. Everyone who knows anything about Paris seems to believe the Eiffel Tower is the site seeing place of all places, however in Paris there are several in reality.

The Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1163 and 1345 on the lle de la Cite' , which at the time was the Roman core of Paris. It is only one of the many Gothic cathedrals in France but with Rose window s carved portals, and two towers both 226 feet high with the ever famous gargoyles at roof height, they are visible from the towers.

Visitors are allowed to go to the top of the towers which is 368 steps of course, the view of Paris is spectacular. The gargoyles represented that nothing could penetrate Notre Dame in the early times. They were a statement to ward off any evil that could come against the Roman empire. The stained glass windows in several places of the cathedral are original and the upkeep of the cathedral is so intense, it is often cleaned dusted and maintained. A quiet place really except for the sounds of excited visitors going from one room to another viewing a piece of history.

The building design itself from a view outside and of course at a distance is awesome, as you see the two enormous towers and the gargoyles setting high above the people who look so small in their presence. Over the years some different renovations have had to be done, however the original aspect of the cathedral was always maintained. The large stain glass Rose window has never been replaced, broken or even cracked. It is well kept and visitors often take pictures of the entrance because of the two portal carvings and the rose window itself.

There is a 17th century development with art galleries, restaurants and souvenirs not far from the Notre Dame Cathedral, this is especially grand for visitors because of the wonderful view you have of the entire Notre Dame Cathedral.

Ancient legend reveals, and remember it is only legend, however it was believed buring the 17th century after the sun was setting on the Notre Dame cathedral the gargoyles that protect the Cathedral from evil and harm came to life, swarming around the entire Notre Dame Cathedral the entire night, and as the sun began to rise on the cathedral you would see the gargoyles as statues once again. However, this is only a legend among some of the locals in Paris.

There is no documentation that proves this legend or myth and although its nice to believe this is something that could've happened in all reality the gargoyles were simply just statues. No one had ever seen the gargoyles flying around at night, although some keepers in the 17th century that stayed in the cathedral say they heard the gargoyles. And the legend was passed down.