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The glorious entrance to the cathedral is through three elaborately carved portals. Biblical scenes, painted in the Middle Ages, represent the life of the Virgin, the Last Judgment and the Life of St Anne. Above is the Gallery of Kings of Judaea and Israel.

The splendid stone tympanum was carved in the 13th century and shows the Virgin Mary’s death and glorious coronation in heaven. However, the Virgin and Child carving seen between the doors is a modern work of art.

The striking buttresses supporting the cathedral’s east façade are by Jean Ravy and have a span of 15 m (50 ft). The best view is from Square Jean XXIII.

The twin towers are 69 m (226 ft) high: visitors can climb the 387 steps of the north tower for splendid vistas over Paris. The south tower houses the Emmanuel Bell, weighing 13 tonnes.

Lurking between the towers are the famous gargoyles (chimères), placed here by Viollet-le-Duc to ward off evil.

The 90-m (295-ft) spire was added by Viollet-le-Duc. Next to the Apostles statues on the roof is one of the architect, admiring his work.

Three great rose windows adorn the north, south and west façades, but only the north window retains its 13th-century stained glass, depicting the Virgin surrounded by figures from the Old Testament. The south window shows Christ encircled by the Apostles.

Also known as Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris), this beautiful 14th-century statue was brought to the cathedral from the chapel of St Aignan. It stands against the southeast pillar of the transept, at the entrance to the chancel.

More than half of the original stalls commissioned by Louis XIV survive. Among the beautifully carved work on the 78 stalls are scenes from the Life of the Virgin.

Ancient manuscripts, reliquaries and religious garments are housed in the sacristy. The crown of thorns and a piece of the True Cross are on public view every Good Friday.