Located in Paris, France, the famous Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and one of the finest examples of the French Gothic architectural style.
Hours: Open every day from 7:45 am to 6:45 pm (7:15 pm on Sat & Sun).
Price: Free; Towers are €10 adults/free children; Treasury is €5 adults, €3 children.
Website: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr
Phone: 01 42 34 56 10, 01 53 10 07 00 (+33 for France)
Address: 6 Parvis Notre Dame – pl. Jean-Paul-II, Paris [map]
It is Paris’ most visited attraction that is unticketed, and that’s saying a lot, as Paris is the most visited city in the world. Situated on the Île de la Cité, there are great views to be had of the surrounding city should you choose to climb its bell towers.
There are many important Catholic relics which live within these walls, including what they believe to be the actual crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head prior to his crucifiction, one of the nails from the cross, and a piece of that cross.
The Portals of Notre-Dame
The portals located on the western facade of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are quite famous in their own right.
The western face of the cathedral is quite renowned, and the three large entrances, or portals, are surrounded by countless intricately-carved statues and figures. There are 28 statues that are said to represent the Kings of Judah and of Israel, and above these figures are statues of Adam and Eve.
* My good friend Bob Leathers took all of these photos. Paris is the most-visited city in the world, and Bob managed to capture some different aspects of the City of Lights, such as these photos; Despite being the best photographer I know, Bob is a dedicated and passionate music enthusiast – check out his other work at The Wandering Musicphile.