Notre-Dame Cathedral wasn’t always the Catholic icon we see it as today. Built on the historical grounds of the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, the cathedral's foundations trace back to a time when Paris was a bustling hub of ancient civilization. Over the eight centuries since construction began, Notre-Dame Cathedral has served many purposes, even being repurposed as a glorified pantry during the 1790s.

This iconic structure owes its resurgence in public consciousness to none other than the celebrated Parisian writer Victor Hugo. Hugo’s novel, "Notre-Dame de Paris," served as a poignant tribute to the nearly forgotten cathedral. The novel's overwhelming popularity among the French public sparked a desire to restore the cathedral to its former glory, leading to a comprehensive 25-year restoration project that reinvigorated its architectural and cultural significance.