Notre-Dame de Paris (construction period)

Timeline

1. 1163–1182Paris · ParisBishop Maurice de Sully oversaw demolition of the old church and began work at the east end of the choir, using early Gothic rib vaults and piers, establishing the axis and proportions for the entire cathedral.
2. c. 1211–1220Paris · ParisAfter the choir was completed, work advanced westward to the nave and north and south transepts; vaults were raised and flying buttresses introduced to counter lateral thrust, while enlarged window openings significantly brightened the interior, embodying the High Gothic spatial ideal.
3. c. 1220–1250Paris · ParisThe iconic west front and its twin towers took shape during this period, with portal sculpture and the rose window installed; the west front became the visual anchor of the Paris skyline and a reference for later Gothic church facade compositions.