Page 89 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France
P. 89
Must See
387
steps up the north
tower lead to the
famous gargoyles.
1
Flying buttresses
2
South rose window
3
1 A 14th-century screen
enclosed the chancel, offering
canons at prayer some peace
from noisy congregations.
2 Behind the high altar is
Nicolas Coustou’s Pietà,
standing on a gilded base.
Treasury 3 Only the north window
retains its stunning
13th-century stained glass.
A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE
The 12th-century romance
between the monk Pierre Abélard
and the young Héloïse began in the
cloisters of Notre-Dame. Abélard
was hired as a tutor to the 17-year-
old niece of a canon, and a love
affair soon developed between the
teacher and his pupil. In his wrath,
Héloïse’s uncle had the scholar
castrated and Héloïse took refuge
in a convent.
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