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Proceeded
by a Gallo-Roman temple to Jupiter, a Christian basilica, and a
Romanesque church, construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163
during the reign of Louis VII. Pope Alexander III laid the foundation
stone. Construction was completed roughly 200 years later in about 1345.
In 1991, a 10 year program of general maintenance and restoration has
begun, and sections of the structure are likely to be shrouded in
scaffolds for the foreseeable future.
During its history, Notre Dame has been the site of numerous official
and other ceremonial occasions. In 1430, Henri VI of England is crowned
here. The 2nd December 1804, after the anointing by Pius VII, Napoléon
seizes the crown from the pontiff and crowns first himself, then
Josephine.
The 31st May 1980, after the Magnificat of this day, Pope John Paul II
celebrates Mass on the parvis in front of the Cathedral.
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