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Five things you may not know about Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the main Catholic place of worship in Paris, mother church of the Archdiocese of Paris. 

It is one of the most famous, celebrated and visited Gothic cathedrals in the world, located in the heart of the French capital, of which it is the main symbol along with the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. 

Almost destroyed by fire in 2019, the cathedral has been rebuilt and is preparing to be open to the public again soon. There are many mysteries and curiosities surrounding this magnificent church. Perhaps, some of these curiosities you do not know.

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Five interesting facts about Notre Dame
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the main Catholic place of worship in Paris, mother church of the Archdiocese of Paris. It is one of the most famous, celebrated and visited Gothic cathedrals in the world, located in the heart of the French capital, of which it is the main symbol along with the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Almost destroyed by fire in 2019, the cathedral has been rebuilt and is preparing to be open to the public again soon. There are many mysteries and curiosities surrounding this magnificent church. Perhaps, some of these curiosities you do not know.
Di Peter Haas, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32131500
Notre Dame is the center of France
On the forecourt of the famous cathedral is the so-called zero kilometre of France: it is represented by the engraving of a compass, and all roads in the country start from here.
Di Antier - Publié dans Notre-Dame de Paris, par Alain Erlande-Brandenbourg, Paris, éditions La Ma
Relics in the Cathedral (pictured, the facade in the late 1600s)
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame houses within it some of the most fundamental and important relics of the Christian world. A nail and a fragment of the Holy Cross and Jesus' crown of thorns are preserved within its thick walls, and every Friday they are visible outside their precious reliquaries.
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His fame enhanced by art
The French writer Victor Hugo, who set his masterpiece 'Notre-Dame de Paris' at the foot of the monument, also made Notre-Dame Cathedral immortal. From this book, Walt Disney later adapted the story of Quasimodo, the 'Hunchback of Notre-Dame'.
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Donations including private donations for reconstruction
Following the fire in 2019, a lot of money was needed to repair the damaged parts. For example, the Arnault family (owner of LVMH) and the Pinault family (owner of Kering) donated EUR 200 million and EUR 100 million respectively for the restoration project.
Di Rafesmar - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43115135
Notre Dame and the French Revolution
During the years of the French Revolution, the cathedral suffered severe damage and was transformed into a temple dedicated to Reason. Many of its sculptures and works of art were destroyed or damaged during this period.
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