Visit NOTRE DAME de PARIS

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris is a fine monument of Gothic architecture. The name translates as 'our Lady of Paris' in French. The Cathedral of Notre Dame was begun in 1163; construction continued for another 200 years. During the French Revolution anti-Christian extremists looted and badly damaged Notre Dame. Repair and restoration of the church did not begin until 1844. As the principal church of the Catholic archdiocese of Paris, Notre Dame is the spiritual heart of the French capital. It is also a shrine that preserves the Crown of Thorns, said to have been forced upon the head of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.
Source: ehow.com