| Way before the Christian faith was introduced in | | | | architecture enthusiasts. It serves as a classic |
| France, the site of the Notre Dame already | | | | example of the early Gothic designs and styles. |
| served as a center for adoration and worship. | | | | Based on the historical time of architectural |
| According to the historical narratives about the | | | | structures, the Gothic style definitely dominated |
| area, even the Celtic tribes had some sacred | | | | many sacred and secular structures during the |
| groves of trees in that location. After these | | | | fourteenth century. Among the most recognized |
| native groups were evicted from their areas, the | | | | characteristics of a Gothic architecture is its |
| Roman Empire took over and through them, a | | | | verticality. It is also quite distinguishable because of |
| temple that honored their god, Jupiter, was then | | | | its stylistic elements such as the Gothic arch |
| constructed in the site. As the Christian faith | | | | (which has the points at the top) and the flying |
| emerged and took over, two churches were then | | | | buttress. The latter serves as an external arch |
| built over the past centuries. Both of which were | | | | that acts as a support for the weight of the |
| the in Romanesque style. One of these churches | | | | building. This allows the Gothic structures to have |
| was the Cathedral de Saint-Etienne (St. Stephen), | | | | much taller walls that the other classic |
| which was constructed in the year 528. | | | | architectural styles. |
| However, because of the fact that the area had | | | | Another thing that makes the Notre Dame de |
| problems with regards to the growing population | | | | Paris as a notable architectural sight is its set of |
| and the lack of residential spaces, the Cathedral | | | | decorative elements. Primary components of |
| de Saint-Etienne was then demolished after more | | | | these designs are the gargoyles. The term |
| than five hundred years of its existence. | | | | "gargoyles" refer to the grotesque statues that |
| According to the local legends, the Bishop of Paris, | | | | rest on the niches on the walls of the cathedral. |
| Maurice de Sully then sketched some architectural | | | | These statues were placed there not only for the |
| plans for the establishment of a new cathedral. He | | | | sake of art but for the practical function of |
| then passed a decree stating that the new | | | | concealing the drainpipes that redirect water away |
| cathedrals would be dedicated for the Virgin Mary. | | | | from the building material of the cathedral walls. In |
| The cathedral that he was referring to is what | | | | fact, the word "gargoyles" come from a Latin |
| we now refer to as the Notre Dame, or "Our | | | | term which means "drain'. Based on the local |
| Lady". | | | | legends, the said statues resemble half men and |
| Despite the anxious planning however, the | | | | half beasts that drive demons away from the |
| construction of the place only began three years | | | | place of worship. Aside from the statues |
| after he conceived the idea for it. While the | | | | however, another feature of the cathedral that is |
| establishment of the first building was made in | | | | worthy of the utmost attention is the presence |
| 1163, the whole structure was not completed until | | | | of the splendidly colored stained glass windows. |
| 1345. Astonishingly, it took almost two decades to | | | | The most prized among these windows were the |
| fulfill de Sully's dream. | | | | two rose windows that escaped the damages |
| Aside from those who have Christian faith, the | | | | brought about by World War II. |
| cathedral is regarded as a prime spot by many | | | | |