Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

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Stone, light and legends. Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

In the heart of Paris stands one of the city's most enduring icons: Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the Île de la Cité—an island in the Seine—Notre-Dame has witnessed centuries of French history, from the Hundred Years' War to the French Revolution, and beyond. Although it was chosen by Napoleon as the site of his coronation as emperor in 1804, by the early 19th century, the cathedral was in a state of disrepair. However, one novel changed its fortunes: 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' by Victor Hugo. The popularity of this book helped encourage a restoration project that renewed the cathedral's former beauty.

India's cathedrals offer a unique blend of history, culture and architectural grandeur, reflecting the country's diverse colonial influences and local artistic styles. Among the most famous are St. Xavier's Cathedral in Kottar, St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata, Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in Mangalore and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Pune. Each cathedral here is a window into the rich religious tapestry and artistic heritage of the country.