Thursday, February 7, 2013

Paris' Notre Dame Spruced Up for Its 850th

From the Dec. 13, 2012, Chicago Tribune, by Alexandria Sage- Reuters.

"Quasimodo would be overjoyed.  Notre Dame Cathedral has had its lighting improved, a new platform to admire its Gothic facade erected, its organ renovated and is about to have new bells made for a nearly yearlong 850th anniversary celebration that kicks off this week."

Built in the 12th century, it has survived the Hundred Years War, the French Revolution and two world wars.  It is in an island in the Seine River.

"With its graceful flying buttresses, imposing facade and famous bells -- immortalized in Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" by the bellringer Quasimodo..."  The first stone was laid in 1163 in the presence of Pope Alexander III.

Some important things that have happened at Notre Dame:  where France's King Henry IV converted to Catholicism, Napoleon crowned himself emperor and Joan of Arc was beatified.

I had the opportunity to see the cathedral in 2000 during a boat trip on the Seine.  believe me, it's impressive.

Cooter

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