Thursday, April 24, 2008 No Quasimodo, No Esmeralda By Jinggoy Salvador
NOW how about doing a Visita Iglesia in a foreign land and still feel like "tourist"? You've seen the tower, appreciated art, now check out (maybe) the third most-visited tourist spot in the city of lights, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a grand Christian Basilica of Romanesque architecture.
You are traversing the small streets all morning and feel the need to stop somewhere and put those tired feet to rest, then you find yourself in the area of Place du parvis de Notre Dame, 75004 Paris.
But this was no quiet spot. Lo and behold! You are standing before structure of magnificence. The setting of one of the greatest love stories ever told... That of Quasimodo and Esmeralda (or is it?)
Like any other tourist spots, the place was swarming with tourists. But unlike them, you have to savor the moment. After all, there is no tourist bus to catch or chase. More than a place of worship at this point, the cathedral was a must-see tourist stop.
Do I hear your camera shooting like crazy? Can you imagine how many dozens of fellow sightseers you had to hassle to have your photo taken? Moi? I had to have that one perfect shot taken... a hundred, better, the more, the merrier.
This impressive cathedral was built during the reign of Louis VII and took 200 years to complete. It was built, but other parts were added through the years. It was burned, destroyed, and plundered then used as food storage. Finally in 1845, it was restored.
Adding to the spectacular history of the church, the coronation of the King of England and Queen Mary Stuart and recently, 1980, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in front of the cathedral.
Visiting this church is a celebration in itself. Sans the mass (although you can pretend to know and speak the local language if there was one - that would have been cool), you can your mercis for getting this chance to see and marvel on the grandeur that's before you. That's what I did.
From a distance, the facade tells of intricate detailing, which was very much present especially during the Romanesque era. Up close, it was even awe-inspiring. The Gallery of Kings would prompt any visitor to humble one's self as you enter.
Three doors serve as the gateways, each with a different name, the intricately carved doors are amazing, and finally I found myself dwarfed in the interior. The vaults in the ceiling were just incredible. The stained glass windows splashed colors on the interior surface as it showed scenes of biblical significance.
But if you thought the huge rose window was fantastic from the exterior, wait until you view it inside the church as the sunlight strikes the multi-hued glass. Better be armed with adjectives when you get to see this place.
Then somewhere around you, you hear distant sounds of grunts and bitching! (I see your jaw dropping).
They're your feet; they're sore and want to rest. Perfect time for a drink and a sandwich. Go look for the bell tower, Quasi and Esme may want to join you.
