Notre Dame meaning "Our Lady of Paris" is a medieval catholic cathedral in Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin May, is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. With its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its enormous and colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration it is magnificent to behold. Notre Dame also stands out for its three pipe organs (one historic) and its immense church bells. Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and was largely completed by 1260. The 1831 publication of Victor Hugo's Novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" inspired interest which led to restoration between 1844 and 1864. On 15 April 2019 while Notre Dame was undergoing renovation and restoration, its roof caught fire and burned for 15 hours. The cathedral sustained serious damage. The task of stabilizing the building against potential collapse was completed in November 2020 and reconstruction began in 2021. The government of France had said it hoped the reconstruction could be completed by Spring 2024. The cathedral site is to be formally returned to the church 15 April 2024 and the first mass since the fire is to be held in the cathedral nave on that day even if the reconstruction has not been finished. It is expected that the building will remain closed until December 2024.