Notre Dame Cathedral is a Catholic church built 668 years ago in Paris, France. Notre Dame translates to "Our Lady" in French. The cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Basilica of Saint Etienne, which was the first Christian church in Paris. In ancient times on the site there was a temple dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 AD while Louis VII was king of France. Notre Dame was one of the first Gothic cathedrals. Before then, most buildings were more Romanesque in style, often associated with semicircular round arches and thick walls. In addition to being one of the first Gothic cathedrals, Notre Dame was also one of the first buildings in the world to use flying buttresses. The flying buttresses were a solution to support the heavy stone roof as much of the building is made of glass. Flying buttresses are arches that protrude from the building near the base of the roof and meet columns that reach down to the ground. Flying buttresses were commonly used in French Gothic architecture. They were also used in Westminster Abbey in England. Notre Dame features many elaborate paintings and statues, as well as an impressive organ inside. On the outside, Notre Dame features several rather famous gargoyles and grotesques. The western facade of Notre Dame has many important elements. These elements include the beautiful western rose window, two towers, three elaborate portals above the entrances, and the Gallery of Kings. The Gallery of Kings is a row of twenty-eight Judean kings spanning the entire western facade. During the French Revolution, the Gallery of Kings, along with many other elements, was damaged. The cathedral was not completely restored... half of paper... Ame and Napoleon I was crowned by the Pope. Notre Dame is one of the most important glories of France. It has been the pinnacle of beauty and the emblem of Paris since its completion. Notre Dame was one of the first buildings in the world to use Gothic-style architecture. The Gothic style originated in northern France and quickly caught on. Gothic architecture was most often found in larger Christian places of worship, but today Gothic architecture can also be found in government buildings and universities. Because Notre Dame was one of the first buildings to use Gothic architecture, many buildings throughout Europe reflect the styles used at Notre Dame. Notre Dame has been one of the most famous cathedrals in the world for centuries. Notre Dame represents many years of faith and hard work. Notre Dame is significant to history and will continue to be for years to come.