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It is believed that originally there was
a pagan temple there. Thereafter, a large basilica to 5 naves,
dedicated to St Etienne was built between the fourth and seventh
century. Spurred by Maurice de Sully, bishop of Paris, the first
stone of Notre Dame is raised in 1163, in the presence of Pope
Alexander III. Work has lasted until 1250. Changes were then
madeduring the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Notre Dame,
a masterpiece of Gothic art, has 130 meters long, a vault height
of 34 meters, a front face of 40 meters wide, the width of the
transept is 48 meters, an arrow whose height is 96 meters. Notre
Dame has 5 naves, 37 chapels, 113 windows. Notre Dame has 75
columns or pillars. The 4 favourite bells are in the North Tower.
The orthern tower of Notre Dame, houses the great bell installed
in 1686, which nameis Emmanuel and weighs 13 tons.
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