The major events
During its eight hundred years of existence, Notre-Dame Cathedral has lived to the heartbeat of Paris and France. Here is a timeline of its rich history.
August 24 1163
Laying of the first stone by King Louis VII and Pope Alexander III.
1239
Saint Louis returned from the Holy Land with the relics of the Passion of Christ. He himself placed the Crown of Thorns in the cathedral, where it would remain until the Sainte Chapelle was completed.
November 2 1789
Following the decree of nationalisation of clergy property, Notre-Dame Cathedral became state property.
November 10 1793
After countless acts of vandalism, Notre-Dame became by decree a “Temple of Reason” dedicated to the worship of the Supreme Being. Under the Commune, the building was used as a wine warehouse.
December 2 1804
Coronation of Napoleon I at Notre-Dame by Pope Pius VII.
1806
The relics of the Sainte Chapelle were transferred to Notre-Dame.
1830
During the July Revolution, rioters ransacked the cathedral. The city authorities considered its complete destruction.
1831
Victor Hugo published his famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
1843
The architects Jean-Baptiste Lassus and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc were entrusted with the restoration of Notre-Dame. Work began in 1845.
1862
Notre-Dame was classified as a historical monument of the city of Paris.
August 25 1944
The bells of Notre-Dame sounded the liberation of Paris. The next day, a Magnificat was sung in the cathedral in the presence of General de Gaulle.
1991
The cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
December 12 2012
Opening of the 850th anniversary of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
February 2 2013
Exhibition of the new bells of Notre-Dame to the public before their installation in the towers.
April 15 2019
Notre-Dame fire
