The Medieval Secrets Of Notre Dame | A Living Cathedral | Chronicle

The world-renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral still stands at 211 feet into the Parisian skyline. We take a look back at the cathedral's history before the catastrophic fire in 2019. Built in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully, it took almost 100 years to complete. Join us on this incredible journey to the heart of Paris' history and its wider significance for the Middle Ages.

Welcome to Chronicle; your home for all things medieval history! With documentaries covering everything from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of the Renaissance, from Hastings to Charlemagne, we'll be exploring everything the Middle Ages have to offer.

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[philslaton]

I miss visiting Paris. I can no longer travel due to old age and poor health. I miss Paris, I traveled there through all my age transitions. I miss Mass and taking Holy Communion in that lovely old Cathedral. Like Rick said, ''We'll always have Paris.''

[Wosiewose]

This makes the devastating fire of three years ago all the more heartbreaking. So glad the beauty was captured on film before it was lost.

[karentan]

Notre Dame remains one of the most beautiful cathedral. I was lucky enough to visit it a few times and attended mass once.

[mrs.g.]

I'm not religious, but I really liked the sacred choir music. And I always loved the majesty of Notre Dame de Paris and hearing those bells. Both the beauty and age of the cathedral are amazing. I'm sure this episode was made before the big fire - I'm hoping they'll spare no expense in getting the cathedral restored to her former beauty.

[mathonamoore]

In the 1990s I lived in Paris. I used dream of living there, when I was in French class at school. It is like living in an open air museum. I'm sorry that I didn't go to mass here but I have been inside it, many times. Happy Easter Monday to you all of you, from Ireland 18th of April 2022. 🐰🐇🇮🇪❤️🐣

[sfperalta]

I had the great good fortune of visiting Notre Dame on Easter Sunday in 2001. The mass in Latin and the surrounding historical setting were just timeless. I was so sad to see the fire devastate this grand dame, but so grateful that the French people are restoring this treasure to the world.

[Nonamearisto]

41:30 "Notre Dame's had the good fortune not to experience a major fire."

Yeah. About that.

[Vladimir]

41:00 "This wooden framework dates from the 13th century and one of the oldest examples of wood-beamed frame in existence, particularly since Notre-Dame has had the good fortune not to experience a major fire."

My heart sank.

[williamsimonds]

Thank You for the video. It is the best of the best. Most of all, I thank you for including the Organ in the video. No other ones have said nothing of the organ. I know the organ is of later vintage but does contain some pipework from other previous instruments, a few complete ranks from the original instrument. When you said, 'The Cathedral has not suffered a major fire', sent chills throughout my body. In 2019 when the fire almost destroyed the Cathedral, I suffered for many days but knowing it would be rebuilt. Surely, we are fortunate to have gifted craftsmen and craftswomen who are working to get this work done by 2024. God Bless Them.

[coins.]

Glass windows were rare in those days and they had to be reinforced with lead. So beautiful!

[SecondTake]

It's the anniversary of the fire. Notre Dame is coming together and slowly coming back! ❤️

[strongsimba]

The Christian hymn as a background music, coupled with the narrator's angelic voice and beautiful visuals make this documentary more heart wrenching, awesome and touching ❤❤❤

[aliencat]

I was just think about Notre Dame today. Thank you...what an incredibly beautiful place.

[jeffaltier]

It's such an interesting place. I wish the doc could have lingered a bit longer on the artwork and stonework. Some of it is amazing. And it was a gut punch when the narrator talked about there never being a major fire...

[TheCynthiaRice]

I am so glad I visited before the fire.

[worret]

Also on YouTube there is a B.B.C documentary series "Secrets of the Castle" being developed in a place called Guedelon France. The workmen involved in the reparation of Notre Dame Cathedral are apparently studying techniques used on site of the the building of a Medieval castle.

[Beowulfca]

It’s amazing that the bronze rooster holding the sacred relics of the crown of thorns and two other saints were saved from the fire and are currently being restored to their former glory

[tinkersmith]

41:30 Oh dear, that statement did not age well...

[hdmike]

I am not religious, but I love history and really enjoy seeing the skills of the craftsman in there day... even today we don't take the time to make such beautiful work...even with our technology.... we could do it easier... but we don't... and to wonder how the men in that day were able to do it... leaves me speechless... truly a work of art...

[worret]

For those interested, On YouTube there is a video called "Inside Notre-Dame. The challenges of restoring the iconic Cathedral" Hope this helps.