Architecture / History of Paris"Notre-Dame de Paris (twelfth and thirteenth century); seen from the main fa鏰de; before the restoration executed by Messrs. Lassus and Viollet-le-Duc."Its construction; begun under the impulse of Bishop Maurice de Sully; extended over more than two centuries; from 1163 to the middle of the 14th century. It was at the time of its completion one of the largest cathedrals in the West. After the revolutionary turmoil; from 1844 to 1864 the cathedral underwent an important and sometimes controversial restoration; led by the architect Viollet-le-Duc; who incorporated elements and original motifs into it.Engraving 19th century (Private Collection).