One of the subjects I studied in college was architecture. It took a while to dredge up the names of the parts of a cathedral, but no time at all to realize that seeing and walking through the structure in person cannot compare to looking at pictures in a book. I knew this and wanted more than anything to do a study abroad program in architecture back then. Better late than never!
Notre Dame is THE cathedral you study when you learn about Gothic Architecture, which is characterized by pointed arches,
ribbed vaults,
and flying buttresses.
Notre Dame was the first structure to use this innovative support system – out of necessity after the walls, growing ever higher, started to develop stress fractures. It took 185 years to build, finished in 1345. 
Notre Dame is also known for the naturalism of it’s sculptures.
(Somebody in this picture had a rough day.)
I love it for the Gargoyles and Chimeras.
(Lots more pictures to come – interior, the view from the tower, gargoyles!)
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