Passing from England to the continent, one of the first church edifices
that attracts attention, both as to its antiquity and grandeur, is the
cathedral of Notre Dame, in Paris. This vast erection of world-wide
fame, stands on an island in the Seine, where was the center of the old
city of the Parisii in the days of Julius Cæsar. It is a cruciform
structure, four hundred and forty-two feet long, one hundred and
sixty-two wide, and more than one hundred feet high to the vaulting of
the roof, having all the characteristics of a vast ancient Gothic
cathedral. It was begun in the year 1010, and was nearly four hundred
years in building, not being finished till 1407. At the west end are two
lofty towers, each two hundred and thirty-five feet high, designed as
bases for steeples, which as yet have never been added. The inside of
the church has a very splendid and imposing appearance, owing to its
numerous aisles and chapels; and the west front, with its three large
gates, and circular window, and noble gateway, is worthy of the highest
admiration. In its imposing appearance, no church in Paris will compare
with it.