Fire safety

Notre Dame Fire: The Treasures Inside the Cathedral

As a fire raged at the great cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France was mourning the destruction of one of the most prominent symbols of its national heritage—and Christians and art buffs the world over were lamenting the potential loss of a thousand years of history and faith. Fire officials have said many precious works of art were saved, but the structure was full of masterpieces, some of which may have perished.

High Altar

Among the treasures inside the famous cathedral, where every day Parisians celebrate weddings, funerals and baptisms, is the high altar with a Nicolas Coustou sculpture of the Descent from the Cross from 1723.

Treasure Room

Many of the religious relics, from communion chalices to vials of saintly blood, are kept in the small Treasure Room that visitors could pay around $5 to see.

Easter Trilogy

While they are not authenticated, and many Catholic churches around the world have similar relics, Notre Dame takes pride in its three Easter relics. Part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, some nails that were used to affix him to the cross and part of the crown of thorns he wore are kept inside the cathedral and used for Easter celebrations.