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Notre Dame CathedralThe spot, on Ile de la Cité, has had religious significance throughout recorded history. The romans built a temple to Jupiter on that spot. Around year 400, there was a Christian basilica on that same spot. Then, in the year 528, Childebert built the Cathedral of St. Etienne, also on that spot. Construction on Norte Dame started in 1163 and was not completed until 1345. In the mid 1700's, geographers decided that all distances in France would be measured from the Cathedral. Even today, if not the mathematical center, it remains as cultural compas for the country. |
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