Notre-Dame reopens 8 Dec 2024

Notre-Dame reopens

In the heart of Paris stands one of the city"s most enduring icons: Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the Île de la Cité—an island in the Seine—Notre-Dame has witnessed centuries of French history, from the Hundred Years" War to the French Revolution, and beyond. Although it was chosen by Napoleon as the site of his coronation as emperor in 1804, by the early 19th century, the cathedral was in a state of disrepair. However, one novel changed its fortunes: "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo. The popularity of this book helped encourage a restoration project that renewed the cathedral"s former beauty.

© Julien Fromentin/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Birthplace of the Renaissance
8 Dec 2023La Rocque Harbour, Jersey
8 Dec 2025Christmas lights on buildings of Domaso, Lake Como, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

18 Sep 2024Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
19 Aug 2024Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
26 Dec 2024Boxing Day
16 Apr 2025Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Holding back the tide
13 Aug 2024Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok, Croatia
A public restroom or a tourist spot?
4 Mar 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Looking sharp
24 May 2024European Day of Parks
16 Jan 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
A legendary islet
4 Dec 2025International Cheetah Day
Where is this ethereal mountain?
18 May 2025International Museum Day
Rocky Mountain run-off
The ‘eighth wonder’?
30 Oct 2025Pushkar Camel Fair
Creating a better world
5 Dec 2025Maya site of Copán
Aug 21, 2023Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
22 Nov 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
4 Oct 2025World Space Week
Jewel of the Adriatic
18 Sep 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
13 Apr 2025Songkran—Thai New Year
3 Nov 2025World Jellyfish Day
11 Jul 2025World Population Day
The buffet is open
Wintry Swiss bliss