# Notre-Dame de Paris begun (1163)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1163-notre-dame-de-paris-begun
Location: Paris, France
Themes: Architecture

Construction begins on the Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. At this point in the timeline (1163), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Alexander III (7 September 1159 – 30 August 1181). His claim was contested by Antipope Victor IV.

## Why it matters
Notre-Dame de Paris begun mattered because it created a lasting landmark of Christian worship, art and pilgrimage.

Pope at the time: [Pope Alexander III](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-alexander-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Notre-Dame de Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_de_Paris)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Notre-Dame de Paris begun](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Notre-Dame+de+Paris+begun)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)