The Remarkable History of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral Before the Fire (Video)

On Monday, a significant blaze erupted at the historic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, leading to part of the beloved structure collapsing. While the exact cause is still under investigation, initial reports suggest it may have started at a construction site on the premises.

Onlookers, both tourists and locals, watched helplessly as the cathedral's spire ignited and eventually fell. According to NBC, this spire housed sacred artifacts of the Catholic faith, including a relic thought to be from Jesus Christ's crown of thorns. Additional relics associated with Saint Genevieve and Saint Denis may have also been lost.

"Everything is engulfed in flames; nothing will be left of the structure," stated Notre Dame spokesperson Andre Finot to the press.

In addition to safeguarding significant sacred artifacts, the cathedral boasts a profound and intricate history. Here’s what you need to understand about Notre Dame cathedral.

The Notre Dame cathedral has stood for over 850 years.

As noted by The New York Times, Notre Dame was commissioned in 1163, under the rule of King Louis VII, with its construction concluding in 1345. According to The Guardian, King Louis VII intended the structure to symbolize Paris's political, economic, intellectual, and cultural influence both domestically and internationally. The foundation stone was laid in 1163 with Pope Alexander III in attendance.

Notre Dame has faced damage before.

According to The Times, the structure fell into neglect during the French Revolution. Its dilapidated condition was even portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel, "Notre-Dame of Paris," also known as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

However, in 1844, architects Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus and Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc undertook the task of restoring the cathedral to its former splendor, enhancing both the spire and the flying buttresses.

Notre Dame has been the site of numerous significant historical events.

As reported by The Guardian, in 1431, Henry VI, the then-king of England, was crowned as the king of France, while in 1537, James V of Scotland married Madeleine of France. Additionally, in 1909, Joan of Arc was exonerated and beatified inside Notre Dame cathedral by Pope Pius X.

The cathedral is also home to some extraordinarily rare and significant artifacts.

Within the Notre Dame Cathedral lies a 17th-century organ that remains operational today (though its condition after the fire is still uncertain). In addition to the organ, there are drawings, plans, and engravings that reveal "the old and hidden mysteries of various church developments and the origins of the city of Paris," as stated on the cathedral's website.

Moreover, as reported by CBS, the cathedral also contains the woven crown of thorns believed to have been placed on Jesus Christ's head during his crucifixion. The cathedral's website notes that the crown is composed of a ring of rushes, secured with gold threads, and encased in a gold and glass frame. Historically, the thorns have been removed and given as gifts to donors and significant religious figures.

The cathedral also contains a fragment of the wooden cross and a nail believed to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Other items of historical significance include stained-glass windows, statues, gargoyles, and more.

"For 800 years, the Cathedral has watched over Paris," stated French historian Camille Pascal to Canada's BFM. "Joyous and tragic events for centuries have been marked by the bells of Notre Dame."

For now, we can only wait and see what survives the flames, hoping that the city of Paris can rebuild.