Paris: Day Four

It is immense and so impressive.

The large rose window you see up there is simply gorgeous.

As we entered, we were fortunate enough to be greeted with a choir 
who sang during most of our time.
It added such a lovely atmosphere of worship.
The side chapels were not part of the original structure.
Different guilds and/or wealthy families added them, along with the stained glass
which significantly darkened the interior, according tot he audioguide.
Initially, they had an altar and a candle. The privately supported priest would take confessions from the members and pray for the departed, etc. 
Eventually, statues, tapestries, statuary, etc were added. 
Some are now quite elaborate.

Both sides of the main chancel are lined with these side chapels. 
Some are dedicated to a particular Saint or the Virgin Mary.

The pillars have decorative applications as well.

Here is a long view down the center aisle.

At the far end, you can see the altar which holds the Pieta.

Interestingly, I saw the Pieta with my grandmother at the 1962 World’s Fair in New York.
It had been brought over and I remember standing on a moving sidewalk with her holding my hand as we passed in front of it.
I didn’t realize it was in Notre Dame and was so surprised to have that happy memory!


I especially likes this statue of Jeanne D’Arc

Hope you have a lovely day!


a demain!