Science Source ftp Apr 2015

Photograph shows the roof of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, France, after it was struck by a German bomb in October of 1914 during WWI. Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is a historic Catholic cathedral of Paris, France. The cathedral is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and among the largest and most well-known church buildings in the world. The naturalism of its sculptures and stained glass are in contrast with earlier Romanesque architecture. Notre-Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress (arched exterior supports). Many small individually crafted statues were placed around the outside to serve as column supports and water spouts. Among these are the famous gargoyles, designed for water run-off, and chimeras. The statues were originally colored as was most of the exterior. The paint has worn off, but the gray stone was once covered with vivid colors. The cathedral was essentially complete by 1345. The cathedral has a narrow climb of 387 steps at the top of several spiral staircases; along the climb it is possible to view its most famous bell and its gargoyles in close quarters, as well as having a spectacular view across Paris when reaching the top. Bain News Service.