The Bell Tower

The facade of Notre Dame, central portal

It's 400 steps to the famous Notre Dame bell tower.  It's, of course, free to enter the place of worship.  But if you want to climb up the tower for the breathtaking views you have to pay a small fee.  (Can't remember, maybe about 8 euros.)  And you have to wait in line.  We waited for about 1.5 hours.  But, it was not that bad.  An interesting street performer entertained the line.  And we got to people watch, which is my favorite pastime.  And eavesdrop on some annoying tourists.  One with a strong Wisconsin-esque accent, a middle aged woman, said quite loudly to her husband, "Now would you look at those things up there sticking out.  Aren't those just neat."  I suppressed my chuckle.  Gargoyles.  Just neat.

Gargoyles are just gutters to keep the rain water flowing off the roof.

While we were in line we enjoyed some pastries I pick up at the little bakery near our hotel.

Half-way up

People often confuse these mythical creatures for gargoyles.  Gargoyles are the drain pipes.  These are Chimeras.  The Chimera is supposed to represent those unrepentant souls caught between choosing right or wrong, caught between heaven and earth.  Tormented, thus their odd and ugly appearance. Reminds me of The Uglies in George MacDonald's The Princess and Curdie.  (Which, by the way, you can read for free here.  But, you won't get the lovely illustrations by Nora S. Unwin.)

I love Paris in the summer.....'cause that's the only time I've been there.  But, can you beat this view and weather?!

Vicious.

There are statues of the apostles and evangelists which all face outward, blessing the city.  There is a statue of the architect facing inward....Rick Steves says he's admiring his work.

Going into the belfry.  It holds the Cathedral's largest bell.  It's name is Emmanuel and it weighs more than 13 tons!  It's clapper alone weighs 500 kilos.  It was lifted to the tower with ropes in the 17th Century.  Incredible!!!   This bell is wrung only on major Catholic feast days.

Quasimodo

Not Esmeralda!

Emmanuel

The following picture was taken because of Gana's extreme and utter disgust over it:

His rant after our hike up went something like this:  The first stones of this Cathedral were laid in 1163 and took 200 years to complete.  It's withstood war and government changes.  Thousands visit everyday!   And some idiot thinks he needs to say "I was here."  Well, good for you.  We'd appreciate if you don't deface any more historic or religious sites.