Notre-Dame is linked to the soul of France, standing as a symbol of the country’s religious and political life through the centuries. It marks the heart of France both literally and figuratively: A plaque outside the cathedral indicates that it’s the point from which all roads in France begin.

A Marker of World History

Built to direct humanity’s eyes toward heaven and eternity through its surging spires, buttresses, and glittering stained glass, the massive structure has continued to soar into the sky century after century, unmoved by the sea changes of the world and often forming the backdrop of key events in French and world history.