# Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris begins (1163)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1163-construction-of-notre-dame-de-paris-begins
Location: Paris

The cathedral embodied the growth of Paris and High Gothic architecture. Within the broader West Francia & Early Capetians period, After the Treaty of Verdun, West Francia developed under Carolingian, Robertian and Capetian rulers. Viking settlement, feudal lordship, church reform and expanding royal authority reshaped the kingdom. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis VII (King of the Franks). Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris begins mattered because cultural and intellectual institutions helped shape French identity and France’s influence beyond its borders. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris begins mattered because cultural and intellectual institutions helped shape French identity and France’s influence beyond its borders.

Ruler at the time: [Louis VII](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-vii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Construction+of+Notre-Dame+de+Paris+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Construction+of+Notre-Dame+de+Paris+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)