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Notre-Dame de Paris is steeped in captivating stories, from its darkest legends to its most unexpected anecdotes. This rich intangible heritage imparts a unique and mysterious aura to the cathedral.

Notre-Dame de Paris, an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is filled with legends, mysteries and fascinating anecdotes. Let's delve into some of the most captivating secrets of this emblematic cathedral, each reflecting the richness of its past.

The Mystery of the Devilish Doors

One of the most intriguing legends of Notre-Dame involves the Devilish Doors, created in the 14^th century by the young blacksmith Biscornet. Overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, the legend suggests that he made a pact with the Devil. One night, Biscornet discovered the wrought-iron doors miraculously completed with exquisite detail. However, when the doors were revealed, they refused to open. Only when blessed with holy water did they finally unlock. Afterward, Biscornet mysteriously disappeared, taking with him the secret behind this technical prowess, which remains unsolved to this day.

The Protective Rooster and Its Sacred Relics

Atop Notre-Dame’s spire, a copper rooster once served as a sentinel over the cathedral and its congregation. Yet, this rooster was far more than a decorative feature: it housed three invaluable relics – one from the Crown of Thorns, another from Saint Denis, and a third from Saint Geneviève. These relics were believed to act as a “spiritual lightning rod,” offering protection to the faithful. Remarkably, during the 2019 fire, the rooster was found untouched, along with its sacred treasures. This miraculous and sacred discovery only deepened the symbolic and spiritual significance of this architectural element.

The Feast of Fools: A Medieval Tradition of Surprises

In the Middle Ages, Notre-Dame hosted the unusual Feast of Fools, held from December 28 to January 6. During this celebration, clerics engaged in unorthodox acts, such as dancing on the altar and burning old shoes in the censers. The festival enabled a temporary reversal of roles and hierarchies, reflecting the complexity and diversity of medieval religious practices.

A Unique and Symbolic Architecture

Beyond its renowned Gothic design, Notre-Dame’s architecture is imbued with profound symbolism. One striking detail is the intentional asymmetry of the choir, which is slightly shifted to the left to echo the posture of Christ’s head on the cross. This subtle yet powerful architectural choice speaks to the faith and creativity of the medieval craftsmen.

The Zero Point of France's Roads

On the forecourt of Notre-Dame, a bronze compass rose marks the official zero point of France's road system. Since 1768, all road distances across the country have been calculated from this exact spot. This symbolic marker emphasizes Paris's central role, with Notre-Dame serving as the heart of French geography.

Napoleon I’s Influence on Notre-Dame

Napoleon I left a profound mark on Notre-Dame’s history. In 1804, he chose the cathedral for his coronation, breaking from the traditional ceremony in Reims. In a revolutionary act, Napoleon crowned himself before Pope Pius VII and then crowned Empress Josephine. This bold combination of monarchic and revolutionary gestures forever linked Notre-Dame with one of France’s most significant historical moments.

The Surviving Bees of Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame’s rooftops are home to three beehives, housing around 200,000 bees. In an extraordinary turn of events during the 2019 fire, these bees survived by consuming honey to protect their queen and brood. This remarkable survival highlighted the lesser-known, yet vital role of these bees as silent protectors of the cathedral.

The Tumultuous Fate of the Kings' Statues

The 28 monumental statues in Notre-Dame's Kings' Gallery, depicting biblical and Christian kings, have endured a turbulent history. During the French Revolution, they were decapitated and mutilated, mistakenly thought to represent French kings. It wasn't until the 19^th century that their true identities were restored. In 1977, the discovery of 21 heads served as a poignant reminder of the iconoclastic violence of the revolutionary period.

These legends, secrets and anecdotes provide only a glimpse into the vast historical and symbolic significance of Notre-Dame de Paris. Every stone, every statue and every detail carries a fascinating story, inviting deeper exploration of this remarkable monument. From the legend of the devilish doors to the miraculous survival of the bees, from Napoleon's coronation to the fate of the Kings' statues, Notre-Dame de Paris remains a living testament to the history of France – a keeper of collective memory, where the sacred and the profane, the real and the legendary, converge in a timeless embrace.