Notre Dame Cathedral is a Catholic church located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris. Construction of Notre Dame began around 1163 and was completed in 1250. A prime example of Gothic architecture, it is notable for its pioneering use of ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, large and colorful rose windows, and extensive sculpture. Notre Dame is one of the most famous historical monuments, tourist attractions, and religious sites in Paris, and one of the most recognizable symbols of France. It attracts approximately 12 million visitors annually, making it the most visited tourist attraction in Paris.