Notre-Dame Column from the North Portal on the Western Facade

This column decorated with statues is part of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. The Cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered one of the best and finest example of Gothic architecture in France. The Cathedral, shows an abundance of sculptural elements such as this one, part of the eastern portal. Construction on the west façade began under bishop Eudes de Sully starting in 1200, by the third architect and was continued by his successors, in particular Guillaume d'Auvergne, and after 1220 by the fourth architect. The North Tower was completed in 1240 and the South tower was completed in 1250. This column comes from the Portal of the Virgin, celebrating Mary and her life.