Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the most recognizable architectural structures in Europe. The construction of the temple began in the 12th century and lasted many years. The facades of the cathedral are characterized by an abundance of details – visitors may admire rosettes with beautiful stained glass, the royal gallery, exquisite portals decorated with carvings and statues. On the left side of the façade in the side portal there is a number of figures including the figure of St. Dionysius, who holds his own head. Dionysius was the first bishop of Paris and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, as well as the patron saint of France. The iconography depicts this saint with the head separated from the body, which refers to his martyrdom by decapitation.
