Architecture of Notre-Dame de Paris

The construction of the Cathedral began in the mid-12th century and spanned two hundred years. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in France. Modifications were made in the 18th century, and a major restoration project was undertaken in the 19th century.

From the Mid-12th Century to the Mid-13th Century: First Period of Construction

The first phase of construction began in 1163 when Bishop Maurice de Sully laid the first stone. It lasted until 1250 under the reign of Saint Louis. The major milestones are:

1163-1182: construction of the choir and its two ambulatories.
1182-1190: construction of the first four bays of the nave, the aisles, and the galleries.
1190-1225: construction of the last two bays of the nave, then the erection of the main façade with its portals from 1208 to 1225.
1225-1250: upper part of the façade and the two towers. Expansion of the cathedral with high windows, creation of terraces, modification of flying buttresses, addition of the lateral chapels of the nave.

From the Mid-13th Century to the Mid-14th Century: Second Period of Construction

This second period involves modifications and ornamentations. During the first period of construction, the master builders frequently reused older Romanesque parts. However, Bishop Renaud de Corbeil (1250-1268) now wanted the entire building to be in the new Gothic style.

Unlike the first period, where no architect names are known, the master masons of this second period are identified. They worked successively as follows:

1250-1267: north façade, north transept, and its rose window, beginning of the south transept by Jehan de Chelles.
1267-1296: south transept and its portal, chapels and the Red Door, flying buttresses of the choir by Pierre de Montreuil.
1296-1363: rood screen and chapels of the apse by Pierre de Chelles, completed by Jean Ravy. Flying buttresses of the choir and the choir screen by Jean Ravy, finalized by Jean le Bouteiller and Raymond du Temple.

Modifications and Developments Over the Centuries

During the Renaissance, tastes evolved, showing disdain for the cathedral. Interest revived with Louis XIII when he placed the French crown under the protection of the Virgin Mary. As a sign of devotion, he wished to make modifications to the cathedral. These took place at the end of Louis XIV’s reign and continued under Louis XV. Under Louis XVI, further modifications were made as the cathedral was deemed too dark and its entrance too narrow.

Viollet-le-Duc, Restoration Architect

The architect intervened on the cathedral with Jean Baptiste Lassus following a restoration competition. The cathedral had fallen into disrepair. Viollet-le-Duc directed the work for twenty years. He made structural modifications intending to restore it to its original form. In his program, he recreated the lost Gallery of Kings, integrated new decorative elements such as chimeras, and built a new spire. These additions were sometimes criticized.

Following this extensive project, the cathedral underwent no further architectural modifications, only maintenance in the 20th century.