Notre-Dame Cathedral

• 03 Dec 2024

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen after extensive renovations following the devastating fire in April 2019. This reopening will mark a significant milestone in restoring this architectural masterpiece and a vital part of France's cultural heritage. 

What Does the Restoration of Notre-Dame Mean for Cultural Heritage? 

• About Notre-Dame: 
  • It is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on an island in the Seine River in Paris, France. 
  • The cathedral is consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. 
  • It contains the Holy Crown of Thorns the most precious item of Holy relics and relics from the crucifixion of Jesus- a piece of the cross on which he was nailed and one of the nails. 
  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Historical Significance: 
  • Notre-Dame is believed to be built on the site of a former Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. Following the arrival of Christianity in France, four churches were built on the same site. 
  • The construction of Notre-Dame began in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely completed by 1260. 
  • When Napoleon Bonaparte became ruler of France in 1801, he chose Notre-Dame for his coronation and pledged to restore it.  
    • It also hosted his 1810 marriage to Marie-Louise of Austria. 
  • It is renowned for its architectural features, including rib vaulting, flying buttresses, and stunning stained-glass windows. 
• Cultural Revival: The restoration aims not only to rebuild but also to enhance the cathedral's beauty through thorough cleaning and renovation of its artworks. 
• French Gothic architecture: The French architectural style featured shutter windows, carved archways, and narrow street fronts, harmonizing well with the courtyards and backyard gardens of traditional Bengali homes. 
  • French Architects like Le Corbusier laid the foundations of modern urban planning in India. 
  • Examples of Indo-French Architecture Chandernagor, West Bengal: 
    • Governor’s House, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Church of St. Francis Xavier.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following historical places: (2013)

1. Ajanta Caves 
2. Lepakshi Temple 
3. Sanchi Stupa 

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only  

(b) 1 and 2 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Q.Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (2013) 

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks 

(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks 

(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it 

(d) There is no material difference between the two

Ans: (b)