The Gothic Cathedral for the Ages Submitted by: Arlie Rogers For the requirements of: Architecture 70; Architecture History 1 Fall 2004 College of the Sequoias Division of Industry and Technology Instructor: Rolando L. Gonzalez, M. Arch. Architect, A.I.A.

The History of Notre Dame Paris This Gothic cathedral, which has been called “a vast symphony of stone”, is one of the most famous and impressive pieces of classical architecture.

Construction  Notre Dame was constructed over a period stretching almost 200 years  1163 – Construction begins  1182 – the Apse and Choir are completed  1250 – the West Towers and Rose Window are completed  1345 – the cathedral is completed  1845 – the spire was added

Gargoyles  Purely ornamental  Added during a restoration program instituted after the French Revolution, approximately 1850  Located on the Grand Gallery

Rose Windows Interior shot of the west window Exterior picture of the north window

West Façade and Towers  Three portals  Gallery of Kings  Statue of Virgin Mary and baby Jesus

Flying Buttresses Flying buttresses were one of the most important innovations of the Gothic Period. They allowed the master masons to achieve the “Gothic Miracle” of height and light. Structurally, they take the outward thrust of extremely high nave walls and transfer them to the ground. They also assist in bracing the walls from wind forces. Notre Dame has approximately 25 buttresses surrounding the nave

Emmanuel Made famous by the French Novelist Victor Hugo in his book, “The hunchback of Notre Dame.” Emmanuel is rumored to have perfect pitch from jewelry of the local townspeople who added their precious metal to the kiln when the bell was being cast. The bell weighs over 28,000 pounds, with the clapper alone weighing over 1,100 pounds. The bell hangs in the south tower of the west façade, suspended almost 200 feet above the ground.

The Gold Standard