Revealing the Treasures and History of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

20 May 202514 May 2025

It was a magical moment when I approached the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as the bells began to toll. Looking up towards the tall spires of the French Gothic cathedral, I admired its gorgeous facade. The statues and decorations reveal an incredible story of history that fascinated me. It is no surprise that the Cathedrale of Notre Dame is one of the most renowned of all Catholic churches in France.

Notre Dame is dedicated to “Our Lady”, the Virgin Mary and Mother of Christ who, according to Catholicism, intercedes on behalf of those who pray to her. A statue in the center of the portico depicts Mary presenting the Son of God to the city of Paris, while a pair of angels looked on.

My eyes were drawn to the simple circular window that dates back to 1225 AD. Each stained glass pane tells the story of the Zodiac and the “Labours of the Months” which were traditionally linked together artistically. The Labours were common in Medieval and Renaissance artwork that symbolized rural activities that are associated with each month of the year.

As I approached the cathedral, I could not help but notice the three arched entrances with multiple statues and figures. The Portal of the Last Judgment in the center is the largest and most ornate. The far right entry is the Portal of St. Anne and to the left, the Portal of the Virgin. Exploring the many stories and Biblical depictions, I began my exploration of the cathedral with the tale of St. Denis.

St. Denis is credited with bringing Christianity to the ancient town of Parisii, a Roman settlement who worshipped demi-gods. His mission to convert the pagans enraged the Roman priests and Denis was beheaded. Ancient tradition claims that Denis stood up and with this head tucked under his arm, began walking north towards Montmartre where he would determine his final resting place at the Mount of Martyrs. This miraculous story increased the number of Christians in Paris and the pagan temple was soon replaced by a church.

Judgment of the world was a common theme among artists during the Renaissance and the Notre Dame has its own story to tell. Above the doorway of the central portal, Jesus is shown on his Judgment Throne seated above an angel and demon weighing the souls of man. While man’s fate hangs in the balance a deceitful demon cheats the scales by adding more weight in hopes to win more souls to the dark side. The souls of the faithful are lined up on the left as the souls of the condemned are chained and led away to their demise. While some of the wicked are blindfolded or carried off unwillingly, one man’s doom comes in the form of a flaming cauldron as he dives in headfirst.

Above the arch yet below the statue of Mary is a row of 28 statues representing the Kings of Judah. During the time of the French Revolution, the locals mistook these effigies as the much despised kings of France and decided to remove their heads. A local schoolteacher collected the heads and disposed of them by burying them in his backyard. For years they remained underground until 1977 when they were discovered and exhumed. The originals are now on display at nearby Cluny Museum, while the current statues have been restored.

Having studied the façade of Notre Dame, I continued towards the right doorway and reached the entrance into the church.

The cathedral is magnificent with its long central nave measuring 426 feet long leads to the altar.

The beautifully carved columns on each side reach up to ten stories high while the walls are decorated with paintings, sculptures and a row of stained glass windows above the columns. The arches above look as though they are praying hands while the stained glass windows burst with color as the outside light seeps in. The minimal light brings forth a cavernous atmosphere of the church as David and I begin our walk towards the altar.

The architecture is truly Gothic known for its simple columns, stone buttresses, stained glass windows and ingenious arches which crisscross to support the roof. Built in the typical floor plan of a basilica, it resembles a cross, where a crossbeam intersects at the location of the altar. The ominous size of the cathedral, measuring 157 feet wide can seat up to 10,000 worshipers at a given time. Towards the back are several chapels to explore.

The altar is where the priest conducts Mass and where the sacraments of the Communion are blessed. Just behind this sacred table is the beautiful Pieta, carved in the 17^th century. The two cherubs that flank each side of the sculpture represent the kings Louis XIII and his son, the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Located in the right transept of the cathedral, the statue of Joan of Arc memorializes the young teenage warrior who led her country to protect the city of Paris from the English. Her allies would later turn against her after hearing her claims that she heard heavenly voices, condemning her to burn at the stake. Opposite the statue is the only rose window with its original medieval glass.

Located on the back side of the choir walls are beautifully carved scenes from the resurrection of Jesus. Ahead on the right is the Cathedral Treasure which contains a reliquary housing some of the most important artifacts to include the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the Holy Cross and one of the Holy Nails from the crucifixion of Christ.

I enjoyed exploring the interior of Notre Dame couldn’t wait to reach the top of the stairs for scenic views of Paris. Standing in line for close to 20 minutes, I purchased my ticket and made the trek to the top. Surrounded by the famous gargoyles, the panorama could not have been more spectacular, with views of the Seine, surrounding neighborhoods of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

This ancient cathedral, with its 200 foot tall bell towers, ornate façade filled with interesting stories, extravagant rose windows and famous gargoyles, there is no doubt why the cathedral of “Our Lady” is France’s most famous church.

Have you visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris? What part of the tour was most memorable for you? I would love to hear about your experience or answer any of your questions if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cathedrale de Notre Dame
Place du Parvies de Notre-Dame
75004, Paris, France
Telephone: Cathedral – 01 55 42 50 10; Tower – 01 53 10 07 00; Crypt – 01 55 42 50 10

Admission Fee: The cathedral is free. The treasury is 3 Euros and a view from the towers is 8.5 Euros. A visit to the crypt is 6 Euros.
Transportation: Nearest Underground Train Station: Cite, Saint-Michel; Nearest Bus/Tram Route: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96
Hours: Cathedral Mon – Fri 8 – 6:45, Sat – Sun 8 – 7:15; closed some religious feast days; Treasure Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6, Sat 9:30 – 6:30; Sun 1:30 – 6:30. Tower: April – September daily 10 – 6:30 (Jul – Aug Sat – Sun 10 am – 11pm; October – March daily 10 – 5:30. Archaeological Crypt: Tues – Sun 10 – 6
Amenities: Additional Information; Guided tours (free, times vary) audioguide (moderate)
Scenic View: A climb to the top of the tower provides extravagant views of Paris, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Length of Visit: 2.5 hours to include the cathedral, a trip to the towers and exploring the facade of Notre Dame.
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to stand in a long line for a trip to the towers through the left entrance. There may be a line to enter the cathedral, but in most instances, the line moves quickly.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Au Bougnat
26 Rue Chanoinesse
75004 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 54 50 74

David and I wanted to share a couple of starters, so we were determined to try duck while in France, We absolutely loved the terrine with pistachios, foie gras and served with a compote of red onion. The flavors were earthy and sweet while the pistachios gave the dish an added crunch. The creamy Veloute mushroom soup and the Burgundy snails were loaded with robust flavors of garlic. Seasoned with Parmesan shavings, the risotto was perfectly executed served with green asparagus.

What to Eat:

Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie
Cheese
Chocolate Croissants
Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
Escargot
French Onion Soup
Frites are France’s fancy French fries
Frog Legs
Frois Gras is a duck pate
Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
Meringues
Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris:

Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
The Louvre for art and architecture
Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
Paris Metro for street scenes
Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

The Rose Window on the South Side of the Cathedral

The Romantic Colors of Burano, Italy

17 May 202517 May 2025

Forty-five minutes later and the ferry from Venice was approaching the island of Burano. Vibrant waterways with pastel colored homes came into view and small fishing boats were docked in front of the homes like cars parked in their driveways. A woman and her child stood at the edge of the dock waving out to the open sea and the blast of a boat’s horn rang out. Local folklore claims that fishermen would paint their homes different colors to identify their family as they departed the island and I could have bet that I had witnessed a legend in the making.

Before the crowded ACTV (ferry) approached the dock, I caught a glimpse of the miniature bridges connecting the waterways and in the distant background, the campanile (bell tower). I looked forward to getting lost among the walkways to purchase some white wine, sample local seafood and shop the lace boutiques in the heart of town.

Reflections of the colorful row houses appeared along the canals as I strolled through the charming isle of Burano. The calmness of the water gave off an identically perfect reflection with only a ripple to disturb the scene. Hardly a tourist was to be seen and I felt as though I had the island all to myself.

Adding to the appeal of Burano were the decorative flowers that seamlessly flowed from their window boxes. The homes were pristine, well maintained and demonstrated the pride of the residents who had lived here. Many generations have made Burano their home which has made this an incredibly tight community.

Twenty-eight hundred residents live on the island of Burano and most of them are farmers and fishermen. A part of the Veneto archipelago, Burano is located on the northern part of the lagoon, near Torcello, known as the birthplace of Venice.

The symbol of Venice, the lion, can be seen throughout the island of Burano. A symbol of strength, the lion is also a representation of St. Mark, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

An occasional glimpse through a back street revealed colorful walls and doors of gold, purple and teal. Heading towards the square, I looked forward to exploring the restaurants, gift shops and charming boutiques. The island is most known for its delicate lace and I was hoping to find a beautiful tablecloth to take home as a souvenir.

Within a couple of hours, I noticed the island was more crowded than when I had arrived. Galuppi Square was bustling with tourists who were ready to enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend time enjoying their surroundings. Local restaurants surrounded the perimeter of the square while the tables were conveniently set up in the center of the plaza. The menus offered plenty of fish dishes, including a local favorite, the “risotto de go” made with Arborio rice and the small spiny-finned fish of the lagoon. Pizzerias also offered a variety of pies and slices with a wide range of toppings. For dessert, Burano is known for its Bussola Brunei or Esse (the Venetian butter cookies) which should be purchased at the pasticceria, Carmelina Palmisano.

Walking through the maze of streets and over a a few narrow bridges, I enjoyed the sights of the colored homes for a final time. I thought once again of the fishermen’s legend as I boarded the water taxi for Venice. Standing towards the back of the vaporetto, I stared at the purple home and watched it until it disappeared into the distance.

Have you seen the colorful homes of Burano? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking this voyage with me to Burano. Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 5225832

Where to Eat:

Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero
Fondamenta della Giudecca
Giudecca di Burano 88
30142 Burano, Italy
Telephone: +39 041 730120

The locals claim that this restaurant makes the best Goby Risotto! Their website suggests the homemade noodles with spider crab which sounds absolutely delicious. The prices are inexpensive and the service is superb!

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

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Hartman Rock Garden, A Fine Example of Folk Art Restoration

20 October 201616 September 2024

Approaching the residential house on the corner of Russell and McCain, Hartman Rock Garden could easily be missed if it wasn’t for the welcome signs. I found a parking spot nearby and began to walk towards the left side of the house. I entered towards the back through a white picket fence where I found a guide book and a map.

Ben Hartman began his work on the Hartman Rock Garden during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job at the age of forty-eight. Over the next twelve years, he continued to add on to his garden by constructing over fifty projects including famous monuments and figurines.

I skimmed through the booklet to learn more about about Harry George “Ben” Hartman, the man behind the artwork and noticed the self-guided walking tour. I was so excited to start my visit to this unique little garden and to learn about each of the lovely structures Ben had created.

I left a donation, reviewed the guide and began the walking tour at The Fishing Pond towards the center of the yard. This was the first project of Hartman’s that started this “garden of love” known today as the Hartman Rock Garden.

Ben loved nursery rhymes, so the Rose Basket was filled with figurines recreating some of the most well-known nursery rhymes: Jack & Jill, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater. These small delicate figures made of stone are available for viewing only during special events and behind the scenes tours.

In addition to fairy-tale figurines, Mr. Hartman reproduced some of the local landmarks of his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Fascinated by historical structures from all over the world, he re-created several of these as well. The Cathedral is the largest project completed by Hartman, standing 14 feet tall. Replicating the spectacular cathedrals of Italy, inside are niches showcasing several Madonna figurines.

Because Mr. Hartman also took an interest in American History, there were a few designs based on several historic buildings and events that took place throughout the United States. Mount Vernon, the childhood home of the country’s first president, George Washington was beautifully created with stately columns and multiple windows. Peeking through the windows, I could see small, period figurines that would have coincided with this historical period.

Hartman gathered small stones on his property to create the structures of George Washington’s Valley Forge. The delicate stonework and the dormers shaped into the concrete roof showed Hartman’s attention to detail as well as his love for creating these amazing pieces of art.

A continuation of the Valley Forge display showcases the smaller lodging areas for sleeping. One of the details that Mr. Hartman included were the icicles that clung to the rooftops of the miniature buildings. I also noticed the small, weathered handwritten cards identifying some of the structures. Unfortunately they were difficult to read, so I made my next stop at Custer’s Last Stand.

I was soon approaching my favorite part of the garden known as The Castle. Rising twelve feet high, this masterpiece is surrounded by a moat and equipped with a working drawbridge. This medieval fortress was created by Hartman out of mixed stone, concrete and grey dolostone. With 107 windows and 100,000 stones, it took him only fourteen days to build.

With a pathway of animal pairs making their way to the entrance of this large boat, there was no mistaking this was Noah’s Ark. The recreation was perfect to the last detail with a pair of doves on the top of its roof and fourteen pairs of metallic animals making their way to the ark’s entrance. I absolutely adored this rendition of one of my favorite Bible stories.

From Death Valley to the Oregon Trail, even Hoover Dam was unmistakable.

The White House, made from concrete and granite, was another lovely tribute to American History.

Adding a little color to the collection is Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Also known as Freedom Hall, this meticulous miniature was built from red brick.

It is said that the Tree of Life was one of Ben Hartman’s favorite works and is considered one of his most impressive. The tree symbolizes country, school and church, which Hartman felt were the most important things in a man’s life. There are close to 20,000 stones used to create this sacred tree.

Created around 1932, a colorful planter depicts two Bible stories. With flowers to the left, the figurines to the right represent both Daniel in the Lion’s Den atop the structure and the Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace below.

Based on his Christian faith, Hartman designed a beautiful nativity, the place where Jesus was born, Calvary Hill where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where Jesus would rise from the dead.

My last stop was to the Wishing Well made of concrete, dolostone, granite and a mix of stones. Beneath the cover was an old wooden bucket, so I made a wish and placed a few coins inside.

There are close to fifty structures on display at Hartman Rock Garden. Each unique, they held a special place in Ben’s heart. Today the garden is considered a work of “in situ folk art” and thousands of visitors come from all over the world to admire the unique works of Harry George “Ben” Hartman. You may be so inspired to create a beautiful garden for yourself.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield, Ohio? I would love to hear about your time spent here if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45506
Email: info@hartmanrockgarden.org

Admission Fee: Free but a $2 per person donation is appreciated.
Hours: Open daily, 364 days, from dusk until dawn
Amenities: Self-guided tours
Length of Visit: 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Pick up a flyer on the property for the self-guided tour. Directions: Traveling south down South Yellow Springs Street leaving downtown Springfield, you will pass John Street and will see McCain Avenue to your right. Turn onto McCain and within a couple of blocks there is a white picket fence which was the home of the Hartmans.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone; 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Seasons Bistro and Grille
28 South Limestone Street
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 521 1200

My favorite item on the menu is the Bibimbap, a Korean rice bowl with marinated beef strips and seasonal vegetables served over white rice. Topped with a fried egg and Korean chili paste.

Another seasonal favorite that is offered on a limited basis is their grilled Chilean sea bass!

One of my favorite views of The Castle

John Brown’s Fort

The Heart Man is the symbol of the garden. It is made from concrete, granite and mirrored glass.

The Oregon Trail

Lincoln’s Cabin

Lincoln’s Tomb