MONDAY night, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral burned, shocking the world and threatening the future of this 856-year old landmark, so Rebel Media’s Martina Markota travelled to Paris to file a report, on scene.
The cathedral was built over the course of two hundred years, starting in 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII.
Completed in 1345, the building itself is an architectural wonder, with its innovative rib vaults and weight-bearing flying buttresses.
Over the centuries, the cathedral fell into disrepair until Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame brought a renewed interest in the magnificent structure, an interest that has never waned since.
Today the Cathedral is surrounded by a barricade as the investigation into the causes of the fire and its damage to the art, architecture, relics and engravings held inside can be undertaken.
Many of the most precious items were rescued by firefighter, police and churchmen who formed a human chain to ferry the objects to safety while putting themselves at risk.
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ARTICLE COURTESY OF REBEL MEDIA
