The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France signified several significant ideas and beliefs for many individuals across the globe. Whether this be religious or not, it truly was a landscape for hope, and is one of the most well known gothic styled churches from the middle ages for several reasons. This includes its grand size, antiquity, and architectural details, all of which date back to the 12th century, and drew around 13 million visitors per year.
Therefore, on April 15, 2019 when a fire engulfed the famous landmark, many questions were raised – and very few were answered. It was obvious early on that people were heartbroken over the events of what happened, as several prominent and wealthy figures jumped the gun without any hesitation and pledged millions of dollars to help rebuild the church. Despite this, the importance of the Cathedral is much more than its presence or being. Rather the root of the sentiments that are attached between those around the globe to this building include its religious significance, rich history, and hunchback to great animation. It truly can be seen as a tragedy to have lost something which has already withstood so much. The Cathedral has been a functioning house of God for millions of Catholics across the globe, and therefore, holds spiritual and emotional meaning. Then there comes the arts and culture which it has fostered specifically in the city of Paris, and rippling outwards across the globe. This includes its rich history, as it took around 200 hundred years to be built, as well its unique and very interesting style, such as gargoyles used as a drainage system, which literally come to life and add whimsical character. This is related with its role in the Disney classic, the Hunchback of Notre Dame which was inspired by the romantic gothic novel “Notre Dame de Paris,” written by French novelist Victor Hugo in 1831,and lead to the famous 1996 adaptation which has been greatly viewed. Therefore, the Cathedral truly can be viewed as a place of worship, bustling full of imagination and culture, all of which make it what it has become. Obviously there is also the beauty which can not simply be re-built, as many are dreaming up to do. Personally, I believe that this comes with time, and the ‘magic’ which it unleashes on such landmarks.
By Selin Ozgur