In an emotionally charged ceremony, the revered Crown of Thorns, believed to have been worn by Jesus at his crucifixion, returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral five years after being saved from a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the historic site.
Crown of Thorns Commemorated at Notre-Dame Cathedral as Relic Returns
Crown of Thorns Commemorated at Notre-Dame Cathedral as Relic Returns
Historic relic's return symbolizes resilience in the wake of tragedy.
On Friday, the Crown was ceremoniously returned, encased in a lavish crystal and gold tube, during an event presided over by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich. This sacred artifact, acquired by King Louis IX from Constantinople in 1239 for an astonishing 135,000 livres—a staggering sum equivalent to nearly half of France's annual budget at the time—had been moved to the cathedral's treasury in 1806.
The 2019 fire, which ravaged the 850-year-old structure, prompted a heroic response from firefighters and police, who formed a human chain to recover the Crown and other invaluable artifacts before the blaze took its toll on the cathedral's interiors and spire. Since then, the Crown has resided at the Louvre Museum while extensive renovations took shape at Notre-Dame.
The return ceremony featured a solemn procession including members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, highlighting the significance of the event. French media have reported that from January 10, visitors will have the chance to glimpse this iconic relic, which now rests in a newly constructed reliquary representing its storied past.
Following extensive restoration efforts that employed around 2,000 artisans at a staggering estimated cost of €700m (£582m), the cathedral again opened its doors to the public on December 8. French President Emmanuel Macron, present at the reopening, emphasized that the restoration process serves as a valuable lesson in humility and fragility, reminding us all of the importance of valuing history.
The restoration of the cathedral has been a monumental task, bringing back its heritage while ensuring its safety for generations to come.
Gargoyles, stained glass, and the spire: How Notre-Dame was restored
Prince William and Trump meet after Notre-Dame reopening
France Art Christianity Paris Notre-Dame fire
The 2019 fire, which ravaged the 850-year-old structure, prompted a heroic response from firefighters and police, who formed a human chain to recover the Crown and other invaluable artifacts before the blaze took its toll on the cathedral's interiors and spire. Since then, the Crown has resided at the Louvre Museum while extensive renovations took shape at Notre-Dame.
The return ceremony featured a solemn procession including members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, highlighting the significance of the event. French media have reported that from January 10, visitors will have the chance to glimpse this iconic relic, which now rests in a newly constructed reliquary representing its storied past.
Following extensive restoration efforts that employed around 2,000 artisans at a staggering estimated cost of €700m (£582m), the cathedral again opened its doors to the public on December 8. French President Emmanuel Macron, present at the reopening, emphasized that the restoration process serves as a valuable lesson in humility and fragility, reminding us all of the importance of valuing history.
The restoration of the cathedral has been a monumental task, bringing back its heritage while ensuring its safety for generations to come.
Gargoyles, stained glass, and the spire: How Notre-Dame was restored
Prince William and Trump meet after Notre-Dame reopening
France Art Christianity Paris Notre-Dame fire
