With a height of 151m, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen was the highest building in the world from 1876 to 1880. Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century and was completed about a 100 years later. Over the following centuries the Notre-Dame was modified and renovated. The façade was given a makeover in Gothic style and towers were added to the cathedral. With the most remarkable one in 1876, the Tour Lanterne (lantern tower) and the great iron spire.