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Tragic prophecy and other little-known facts about Notre Dame de Paris - the cathedral where Napoleon himself was crowned
Tragic prophecy and other little-known facts about Notre Dame de Paris - the cathedral where Napoleon himself was crowned

Video: Tragic prophecy and other little-known facts about Notre Dame de Paris - the cathedral where Napoleon himself was crowned

Video: Tragic prophecy and other little-known facts about Notre Dame de Paris - the cathedral where Napoleon himself was crowned
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On April 15, 2019, in the capital of France, there was a fire in Notre Dame Cathedral. He destroyed the spire of the building and its roof. What is one of the main monuments of Gothic architecture known for, what does Napoleon have to do with it and why - in our review.

1. The most famous cathedral in France

The most famous cathedral in France
The most famous cathedral in France

Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame de Paris is the most visited monument in the French capital. The average number of visitors on a weekday ranges from 30,000 to 50,000.

2. Place of Roman worship

Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame Cathedral
Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame Cathedral

The cathedral was built on the site of an old Roman temple, and before the construction of Notre Dame, several Christian religious buildings were built on this site at different times. Some of the surviving remains of structures from bygone eras can be seen by visiting the archaeological museum "Crypt of the Porch of Notre Dame".

3. Very old cathedral

Collectible coin, issued on the 850th anniversary of the cathedral
Collectible coin, issued on the 850th anniversary of the cathedral

One of the symbols of the French capital, Notre Dame de Paris is a very old temple. Its construction began in 1163 and lasted for over a century. In 2013, the 850th anniversary of the cathedral was celebrated.

4. Revolutionary robberies

The French Revolution
The French Revolution

Like many churches, the cathedral was plundered during the French Revolution. The revolutionaries plundered everything of value and most of the furniture, destroyed altars and statues, and also beheaded some of the sculptures.

5. Temple of Mind

Satisfied with the fruit of their labors, the revolutionaries declared the mutilated cathedral the "Temple of Reason."
Satisfied with the fruit of their labors, the revolutionaries declared the mutilated cathedral the "Temple of Reason."

Notre Dame de Paris became the "Temple of the Mind" shortly thereafter. The so-called Cult of Reason was a new religion that was introduced during the revolution to replace Christianity and promote the values of the new republic, such as equality and freedom. Notre Dame Cathedral became one of the main places of worship of this religion until its prohibition a few years later.

6. Coronation of Napoleon

Coronation of Napoleon
Coronation of Napoleon

Notre Dame Cathedral was the site of Napoleon's coronation in December 1804. It was here that he was proclaimed emperor.

7. The book that saved the cathedral

Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo

One of the reasons the famous French writer Victor Hugo wrote his masterpiece Notre Dame Cathedral was because he wanted to save the cathedral, which at the time was in such poor condition that the authorities of Paris were going to demolish it. Thanks to this novel and the intervention of several religious groups, the cathedral was preserved and then restored.

The writer was depressed by the state of the cathedral after the revolution, so he decided to make him the main character of his novel. The preface says:.

8. The second largest organ

Organist at Notre Dame Cathedral
Organist at Notre Dame Cathedral

Although the organ in this cathedral is not the largest in France, it is impressive to say the least. The instrument consists of approximately 7,300 pipes, some of which have survived from the Middle Ages. This organ could be heard every Sunday during the service.

9. Three relics of the Passion of Christ

Collection of relics of Notre Dame Cathedral
Collection of relics of Notre Dame Cathedral

In Notre Dame Cathedral there are three relics of the Passion of Christ: a crown of thorns, a fragment of the Life-giving Cross and one of the nails from the crucifixion of Jesus.

10. Source of inspiration

Notre Dame de Paris has inspired many artists. Several songs were composed about him, the most famous of which was performed by Edith Piaf; several books have been written (not only Victor Hugo's masterpiece), and musicals have also been staged.

And in continuation of the theme, a story about Riddles of Notre Dame Cathedral and details that readers often forget

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