answersLogoWhite

0

Construction
In 1160, having become the "parish church of the kings of Europe", Bishop Maurice de Sully deemed the current Parisian cathedral unworthy of its lofty role, and had it demolished shortly after he assumed the title of Bishop of Paris. According to legend, de Sully had a vision of a glorious new cathedral for Paris, and sketched it in the dirt outside of the original church. To begin the construction, the bishop had several houses demolished and had a new road built in order to transport materials for the new church.

Construction began in 1163, during the reign of Louis VII, and opinion differs as to whether Bishop Maurice de Sully or Pope Alexander III laid the foundation stone of the cathedral. However, both were at the ceremony in question. Bishop de Sully went on to devote most of his life and wealth to the cathedral's construction.

Construction of the west front, with its distinctive two towers, only began circa 1200, before the nave had been completed. Over the construction period, numerous architects worked on the site, as is evidenced by the differing styles at different heights of the west front and towers. Between 1210 and 1220, the fourth architect oversaw the construction of the level with the rose window and the great halls beneath the towers. The towers were completed around 1245, and the cathedral was completed around 1345.

Timeline of construction
1160. Bishop Maurice de Sully (named Bishop of Paris), orders the original cathedral to be demolished.
1163. Cornerstone laid for Notre Dame de Paris - construction begins
1182. Apse and choir completed.
1196. Nave completed. Bishop de Sully dies.
1200. Work begins on Western Façade.
1225. Western Façade completed.
1250. Western Towers and North Rose Window completed
1250–1345. Remaining elements completed

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?