A massive fire at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris destroyed large parts of the 850 year old massive church. The fire has been brought under control but the cathedral’s iconic spire was completely destroyed.
The Notre Dame is one of the most famous attractions in Paris, drawing in an estimated 1.3 million visitors per year. The cathedral is considered as a feat of medieval architecture. Having a capacity of over 6,000, it took 182 years to build the church. Construction began in the 12th century and was completed by the beginning of the 14th century. Notre Dame was badly damaged during the French Revolution, and was restored by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. It is widely known for its enormous stained glass windows among other historic features
“Paris without Notre Dame is not Paris anymore”, said a woman who watched their city’s iconic building go up in flames.
Speaking from the scene, French President Immanuel Macron mourned the loss with his fellow citizens and promised to rebuild the historic monument together.
(Title image courtesy: CNN)
