Notre Dame
Notre Dame refers primarily to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a historic Catholic cathedral located in Paris, France. The name "Notre Dame" translates to "Our Lady" in French, and it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is a significant example of French Gothic architecture, featuring elements such as flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and stunning stained glass windows.Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 and was largely completed by the 14th century, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in Paris. It has been the site of numerous important events in French history, including coronations, weddings, and funerals.In addition to its architectural significance, Notre-Dame is renowned for its artistic treasures, including sculptures, paintings, and its famous rose windows. The cathedral attracts millions of visitors each year as a major cultural and religious landmark.In recent years, Notre-Dame gained international attention due to a devastating fire in April 2019, which caused significant damage to the structure, notably its spire and roof. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since then to preserve and rebuild this iconic monument.