"Bells of Notre-Dame ring again: Trump joins world leaders for cathedral's grand reopening."

Notre-Dame de Paris, often referred to simply as Notre-Dame, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of the Middle Ages. Here's a concise history based on widely recognized information:

- **Construction**: The construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 under the commission of Bishop Maurice de Sully. This was during the reign of King Louis VII. The foundation stone was laid in that year, marking the start of around 200 years of construction, with the main structure being largely completed by the mid-13th century.

- **Architectural Innovation**: Notre-Dame is celebrated for its French Gothic architecture, introducing features like the rib vault, flying buttresses, and rose windows on a grand scale. These innovations allowed for higher ceilings, larger windows, and thus, more light within the cathedral, which was a significant departure from the darker, heavier Romanesque style.

- **Historical Significance**: Throughout its history, Notre-Dame has been a site of significant events. It survived the French Revolution when it was repurposed and suffered damage, including the removal of its original spire. Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation as Emperor in 1804 took place here, which helped in its restoration and return to religious use.

- **Victor Hugo and Restoration**: By the 19th century, Notre-Dame had fallen into disrepair. Victor Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" (published in 1831) brought public attention to the cathedral's plight, leading to a major restoration effort led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. This restoration included the addition of the iconic spire that was destroyed in the 2019 fire.

- **2019 Fire and Rebuilding**: On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire destroyed the spire and most of the roof, with concerns about the stability of the entire structure. The French government committed to rebuilding, with President Emmanuel Macron initially setting a five-year goal for its reconstruction. The cathedral has been a site of ongoing restoration, with significant efforts to preserve its historical integrity while incorporating modern safety measures.

- **Reopening**: As of the latest updates, Notre-Dame has been the focus of extensive restoration work, aiming to reopen to the public. This effort not only aims to restore the cathedral to its former glory but also to make it more resilient for the future.

- **Cultural Impact**: Notre-Dame is not just a religious site but a symbol of French heritage, appearing in literature, art, and media worldwide. Its history is intertwined with that of Paris and France, making it a focal point of national identity.

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The history of Notre-Dame is rich with architectural innovation, survival through political upheavals, and its role as a cultural icon, making it one of the most significant landmarks in the world.