- History and Visit to the Parvis Notre-Dame in Paris
- Discover the surroundings of the Parvis Notre-Dame in Paris
- Transfer to theParvis-Notre-Dame in Paris
History and Visit to the Parvis Notre-Dame in Paris
Located on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of the 4th arrondissement, the Parvis-Notre-Dame is a site of great political and religious importance. This historical and spiritual monument takes its name from the Latin word “paradisius”, meaning paradise, and extends in front of the imposing west facade of the cathedral. This place, in the center of ancient Lutetia, was occupied by the Gauls from the 2nd century BC, then by the Romans under Julius Caesar in 52 BC, becoming a vibrant testimony to the spiritual heritage of the city .
With traces of 6th century music still preserved, notably liturgical concerts and innovative multi-part religious chants, Notre-Dame Cathedral is distinguished by its rich musical life, dominated by organ auditions and recitals , under the demanding direction of Notre-Dame artists. The choirs, organists, choir directors, and the choirmaster contribute to the splendor of the services, deeply touching the visitors.
The Parvis is surrounded to the west by the Police Prefecture, to the south by the Seine, and to the north by one of the oldest hospitals in Paris, the Hôtel-Dieu. Attracting 20 million visitors and faithful annually, it is a privileged destination for admiring one of the most famous buildings in Paris. Visible from the Pont de l’Archevêché, Square Jean XXIII and the banks of the Seine, the cathedral and its square continue to inspire.
The Parvis-Notre-Dame, with an area of 1,200 m², includes an ephemeral tower 13 meters high and an esplanade 5.50 meters above the ground, enriching the space with significant architectural elements . In 2006, the mayor of Paris renamed the Parvis to Place Jean-Paul II, in homage to the late pope, during a ceremony marked by the presence of Mayor Bertrand Delanoë and Archbishop André Vingt-Trois.</p >
Under this square, the archaeological crypt of the Parisian museum exhibits remains from the 19th century, revealed during preliminary excavations. Recently renovated, the crypt uses 3D digital technology to clean and highlight finds such as a batch of coins from the 4th century. Visitors can explore the construction phases of Notre-Dame through engravings, models, and touch screens, delving into the history of this iconic monument from 1163 to 1350.