Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 under the direction of Bishop Maurice de Sully, marking a significant architectural achievement in the Gothic style. This iconic cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité, became a symbol of medieval Paris and a center of religious life. The building's intricate design and historical significance have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a focal point of French cultural identity.

The construction of Notre-Dame de Paris, beginning in 1163, became a central symbol in French literature, influencing poets and writers to view cathedrals as 'books in stone.' This perspective allowed medieval poets to convey biblical narratives and moral lessons to an illiterate populace through their verses.