The whole world paused and shared in sorrow when one of Paris’ exquisite, iconic piece of architecture and holds almost thousands of histories in centuries engulfed in a devastating and tremendous fire on Monday evening.
A mass was being held in Notre Dame when the fire alarm went off and smoke began willowing out from the cathedral causing everyone to immediately evacuate the cathedral. It is also undergoing renovations due to the weather and time that already took a toll on the architecture.
“The fire has lessened in intensity: the firefighters of Paris told me they are very hopeful about saving the northern tower,” French Junior Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Twitter late Monday, assuring that firefighters are working hard to put efforts for hours.
The main structure was announced “saved and preserved” hours after firefighters responded and grappled to control the fire as the 90-meter (295 foot) spire collapsed, drawing groans and disbelief from the witnesses.
“We will rebuild Notre Dame because this is what the French expect, because this is what our history deserves, because it is our destiny,” French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild the architecture. He also announced that an international fundraising campaign would be launched on tuesday while encouraging “greatest talents” in the world to help.
Chief of the Parisian Fire brigade Jean-Claude Gallet confirmed that there were no casualties in the tragedy although one firefighter has been injured while trying to put out the fire. Until now, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the officials.
The cathedral is also known for holding sacred relics and artifacts such as the Rose windows which has a trio of immense round stained-glass. The Crown of Thorns, one of the most treasured relics and believed to be from the original crown that was used during Jesus’ crucifixion. The Tunic of St. Louis, the 13th century garment worn by the first French King who became a saint.
The Notre Dame Cathedral, which name means Our Lady, in Paris, France was built on Île de la Cité, a small island in the middle of Seine. The construction began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. The Gothic cathedral reflects the prominent role of Paris as an economic and spiritual center and it draws about 13 million visitors a year.
In 1831, a novel was published by Victor Hugo entitled “Notre-Dame de Paris,†or also known as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,†that gave readers thorough information regarding the cathedral’s debilitated condition. From 1844 to 1864. two architects named Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus and Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc renovated the spire and flying butresses.
