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Tag Archives: Jesus

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 17th 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

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Seeking Holy Wisdom in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

27 March 202325 May 2025

DSC_2204, hagia Sophia

My first visit to Istanbul was on a summer girl’s trip.  Our plans were to start out in Istanbul, Turkey, explore the beautiful coast and sail to a few of the nearby Greek islands.  With only a couple of days in the capitol city, I was disappointed that we had such little time to visit more of Istanbul’s historical sites.  I remember how fascinated I was to see the mosques, the Hippodrome and the Bosporus River all the while watching the city celebrate the Ramadan holiday.

A couple of years later, I returned to Istanbul on a Footsteps of Paul cruise and I was thrilled to be back for two full days in the city.  Happy to visit the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market, our first stop was the Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Sophia (eye-ah soh-fee-yah) has been described as one of the greatest sites of worship for both Christians and Muslims.  Initially built by Emperor Constantine in 537AD as a Christian church, the site was later converted into a mosque when Islam became the country’s central religion.  I imagine all of the thousands of Christians arriving to the Hagia Sophia to worship in such a beautiful place.  Considered one of Istanbul’s most impressive attractions, nearly three and a half million guests visit this historical site which is now an educational museum.

DSC_0426

Upon entering, all guests are required to remove their shoes and the women must cover their hair.  We approached the Hagia Sophia through the vestibule on the western side where we were then led into the open expanse of the former church.   The central bronze doors were brought to the site from an ancient temple in Antioch.  Known as the Emperor’s entrance on special occasions, the spectacular mosaics decorated the transom dating over 1500 years to the time of Justinian.

DSC_2206, Interior View of the Hagia Sophia, Panorama

Measuring nearly 250 feet long, 230 feet wide and towering 90 feet high, this space is exceptionally large.  Its architecture is influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.   An outer narthex leads into the inner narthex (a porch area of the church) and finally reaches the nave in the center, where the congregation would have met.

DSC_2218, Frescoes in the Hagia Sophia

The half domes display colorful mosaics of Mary holding the infant Jesus which were later concealed when the church became a mosque.  Once the facility became a museum, the images were  discovered during a restoration project and ongoing renovations continue to uncover extraordinary artwork.

DSC_2208, More Restoration of the Hagia Sophia

The impressive dome is held up by its walls and arches that strategically distribute the weight of the dome to create a pendentive.  Reaching a height of 185 feet and measuring 100 feet across in diameter, there are 40 ribs made from bricks of clay imported from the Greek island of Rhodes.

DSC_2220, Panoramic View of the Restoration of the Hagia Sophia

When the Hagia Sophia was built, it was constructed with the finest materials that were imported from all over the ancient world.  The large green column was removed  from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus as a spoil of conquest (spolia).  The two alabaster urns are from the Hellenistic Era of Pergamon and the purple columns behind each urn are older than the Hagia Sophia itself.

DSC_2221, The Floor of the Hagia Sophia

The panel on the walls and the inlay on the floor are a collection of purple porphery from Egypt, green stone from Thessaly, black stone from the Bosporus, yellow stone from Syria, white stone from Cappadoccia and golden stone from Libya.   The green marble circle, called the Omphalion, was the spot where the emperors were crowned.

DSC_0442

Within the Hagia Sophia are a few Muslim elements that remain on display.  The mirhab, known as the prayer niche, oriented the Muslim’s direction so that he could position himself to pray towards Mecca.

DSC_0457

The Mimbar (meem-behr) is the raised pulpit in a mosque where the imam would stand halfway up the stairs to deliver his sermon.

DSC_2212, Gazing up at the Domes, Hagia Sophia

The upper galleries with their arched open spaces are accessible by a ramp near the Narthax.  This second level was designated for women who came to the mosque to worship and we learned from our guide that there are beautiful mosaics on display.

When the church became a mosque, many of the mosaics and frescoes depicting people were covered as required by the Islam religion.  While the building was undergoing restoration, seraphims in the upper corners were recently unveiled.  It was estimated that they had been painted in the 14th century AD.

DSC_2225, Ceiling and Ornate Fixtures, Hagia Sophia

There are a total of eight medallions suspended from the arches overheard.  The Arabic writing documents the names of leading Muslim figures, as images of people were forbidden to be displayed in a mosque.

DSC_2241, Frescoe in the Hagia Sophia

As I exited the Hagia Sophia, I noticed the reflection of the Donation Mosaic in the mirror above. The mosaic is on the opposite side of the wall where Mary is holding Jesus in her lap.  Jesus makes the sign of the trinity with his three fingers of his right hand and holds the Gospels of the Bible in his right hand.  Two men stand beside the Virgin Mary and Jesus, with arms outstretched offering them gifts.  On the right is Constantine presenting them a model of the city of Constantinople and on the left is Justinian gifting them the Hagia Sophia,  Our guide pointed out that the Hagia Sophia was painted as it would have looked when it was a church without the minorets and a cross at the top of its dome.  This 11th century mosaic dates back to the reign of Basil II, an emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

What amazed me about the Hagia Sophia was seeing the combination of Christianity and Islam in one location.  I was also intrigued by the recent findings and the uncovering of Christian artwork that had been hidden for so many years.  Researchers are optimistic that they may find more of these extraordinary treasures and It will be interesting to learn what they will discover.

What was your experience like at the Hagia Sophia?  What were some of the aspects of the museum that interested you?   I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Hagia Sophia 
Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi
Ayasofya Meydani
34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 522 17 50

  • Admission Fee:  60 Turkish Lira
  • Hours:  The museum is open April 15 – October 31 from 9AM to 7PM, with the last entry at 6PM;  November 1 – April 15 from 9AM to 5PM, with the last entry at 4PM.  They are closed on Mondays.  Last tickets are sold an hour before closing.
  • Amenities:  Audio guide (30 TL) can be accessed at the museum’s entrance provided in the following languages:  Turkish, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Persian, Greek, Russian and Korean
  • Scenic View:  Splendid views of the museum from the upstairs gallery
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   The Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet District across from the Blue Mosque.  Arrive early in the day as crowds to purchase tickets can be long. Dress appropriately as you may be turned away for not covering your knees and shoulders. In addition, there are several ways to purchase tickets ahead of time, which will allow you to skip the ticket queue.  According to tradition, if you “turn your thumb” in the historical pillar, all of your wishes will be granted. Gil is the name of the resident cat who lives within the museum. Private tours can also be purchased at the door.  Don’t forget to visit the upstairs gallery for additional displays.

Where to Stay:

Fer Hotel
Mollafenari Mahallesi
Turbedar Sk. No. 12
34120 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 50 80

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub & Restaurant
Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 520 09 90

We loved sitting in the alleyway at red and white checked clothed tables.  We ordered Efes beer and appetizers which included hummus, tzatziki sauce, pita bread and spring rolls.   Ask your server to let you go up the small elevator for an amazing view of the Blue Mosque!

What to Eat: 

  • Baklava:  made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
  • Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle.  The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
  • Iskender Kebab:  thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
  • Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
  • Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
  • Tarihi Osmanli Macunu (Traditional Ottoman Candy):  Made of five different flavors of thick taffy spiraled deftly around a stick and then sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, creating a delicious and savory lollipop.  
  • Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
  • Turkish Delight:  a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
  • Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt.  A must try.
  • Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh.  Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
  • Turkish Ravioli:  dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read: 

  • Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
  • The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
  • My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
  • Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul: 

  • Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
  • The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
  • The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
  • The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
  • Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
  • Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
  • The Grand Bazaar
  • Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus
The Baths of Miletus

DSC_2217, An Angel in the Hagia Sophia

A Seraphim that was uncovered in 2010

DSC_2232, Wide Angle Shot of the Ceiling of the Hagia Sophia

The Dome, the Seraphim, the Medallions and the Scaffolding

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Young Life’s Saranac Village in Upstate New York

12 February 201531 August 2024


My brother, Mike Ambuske, has been involved with the Young Life organization for over 20 years. He is currently serving with this amazing association as Young Life’s Area Director for North Butler County, Pennsylvania. During the time of our family visit to Saranac Lake, he was working out of Argyle, NY. That summer, he was preparing to bring a group of teens for a week long spiritual journey to learn more about Jesus in hopes that they would give their lives to serving Christ. He wanted to bring us to Saranac Lake to show us where he would be traveling and to share with us some amazing opportunities to get involved with the Young Life organization. Please see below for a way to support Young Life Butler or your local Young Life leadership.

Young Life North Butler
PO Box 4
Butler, PA 16003
Phone: 724 406 9790

Select this link to give:  Give

To learn more about your area’s Young Life organization, select the Link and search for your location.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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