Firefighters at the scene were able to save several objects from the building, one of the most famous being the Crown of Thorns.
Renovations on the over 900 year-old monument’s roof also meant that the 16 copper statues sitting atop Notre-Dame aside its spire were also spared from the wreckage.
While the structure of the building is still standing, two thirds of the ceiling were destroyed, as well as the iconic spire which collapsed during the catastrophe.
Those witnessing the incident watched in horror as the famous landmark nearly disappeared in smoke, with some even taking to twitter to record the tragedy up close.
Among those mourning the aftermath were some significant figures such as French Billionaire François-Henri Pinault, who has pledged to donate over 100 million Euros to the repair of the gothic church.
To many around the globe, the french cathedral not only represents the history of France, but the history of the Western World, with the damage done sending a huge blow to people everywhere.
“We will rebuild it. All together,” said French President Emmanuel Macron in a passionate tweet he sent out in response to the incident. “It’s part of our French destiny.”
