By Alex
Notre-Dame de Paris in Paris, France caught fire on the evening of Monday (the 15th) local time. After burning for over 10 hours, the cathedral's iconic wooden spire and roof eventually collapsed. Fortunately, the main structure of the church, both bell towers, and the famous rose windows remained unharmed. Most of the precious artworks, including the important relics such as the "Crown of Thorns" and the "Tunic of Saint Louis," were also undamaged. These items, along with other artifacts, will be temporarily entrusted to the Louvre Museum for safekeeping.
▲(Photo by saaggo & philippe.wojazer/Instagram)
Within hours after the fire was extinguished, more than 800 million euros had been raised in public funding for the reconstruction and restoration of the cathedral. However, experts estimate that restoring and rebuilding Notre-Dame will take at least 10 to 15 years. The cathedral, which began construction in 1163 and was partially completed and opened in 1250, is now 800 years old. Here are 7 lesser-known facts not everyone knows:
1. Nicknamed “The Forest”
▲(Photo by Gigarama)
Notre-Dame is called “The Forest” because of the oldest surviving wooden frame in its roof. Every beam comes from an individual tree felled in the 12th century, with more than 210,000 square feet of forest cut down in total. Sadly, this wooden structure was destroyed in the fire.
2. Attracts the Most Tourists in Europe
Notre-Dame is the most visited historical site in France, with up to 40,000 tourists and worshippers visiting daily—more than the Eiffel Tower and more popular than anywhere else in Europe.
3. Owned by the French State
▲(Photo by Depositphotos.com)
Before 1905, all churches built in France were actually owned by the French state. The Archdiocese of Paris was allowed to use the building and was responsible for maintaining the cathedral and meeting all staffing needs.
4. The Towers Are Not the Same Size
▲(Photo by Depositphotos.com)
The two towers on the western side of Notre-Dame may appear identical, but upon closer inspection, you can see that the north tower is actually slightly larger than the south tower.
5. Took Nearly Two Centuries to Build
Construction of Notre-Dame de Paris began in 1163 and was officially completed in 1345, taking a total of 182 years to finish.
6. Home to France’s Largest Organ
▲(Photo by Depositphotos.com)
The cathedral’s organ consists of about 8,000 pipes (some even dating back to the 18th century) and is played using five keyboards. It is the largest organ in France.
7. One of the First Buildings to Use Flying Buttresses
▲(Photo by Depositphotos.com)
Notre-Dame is one of the first buildings in the world to use flying buttress support structures. Due to the high central nave and outward-curving walls that compromised structural stability, the flying buttresses were designed and added after construction had begun.
Source: Travel Inspiration