Notre Dame: French Gothic Architecture

When arriving at the Cathedral Notre Dame Saint Michel, there a presence of grandeur that resides in the courtyard. The grandeur demands your respect and speaks, but does so without words. There is a symmetrical rhythm to the building that draws a person in as well as the receding door way that invites onlookers inside. The rhythm of the church is the driving force that sparks the curiosity of onlookers to continue to take a step forward. The construction of the Notre Dame began in 1160 during the reign of King Louis VII and is said to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. However, it was not completed until the mid 13th century. Mass still occurs on a weekly basis.
Looking at the western facade, three different portals are etched in the stone to enter. These are commonly known as receding arches or a gothic porch (McNarama, 147).

However, they are unlike other towers and spires found on cathedrals. Most are spherical but these are square. The square shape most often refers to the earth, which forms a contrast with the endless, divine shape of the circle (Taylor, 14). Garden imagery can be seen covering both the bell towers. At the base of the towers reside gargoyles and charima. These figures channel water away from the structure. Yet, their deeper meaning is to portray the disorder and evil in the world and of those who reject God (McNarama, 209). In the rear, large flying buttresses extend from the high walls to help give support (McNarama, 126).
When all this is put together, it begins to make sense. In the lower half of the cathedral, the biblical story can be read as the it moves toward heaven. At the top of the cathedral there is an earthly tone in which evil forces reside. But the evil forces, the gargoyles and Chimera meet at the middle with leafy designs on the towers, signifying the reuniting of the heaven and earth during the end times (McNarama,