In Paris, France, the Notre Dame Cathedral’s unique architecture attracts more visitors than the Eiffel Tower, bringing 13 million people each year. Built in the 12th and 13th century and surviving through many centuries the Cathedral is an icon of Paris.

On Apr. 15 at 6:30 p.m. smoke poured out of the attic and spread throughout the cathedral, eventually collapsing the spire. As the flames grew over the cathedral, many tourists and residents called other loved ones while older Parisians cried when they saw their national treasure being lost. For about 5 hours, 500 firefighters fought the fire and successfully extinguished it by 11 p.m. The fire ended with no deaths but did seriously injure a firefighter.

Andrew Finot, the head of communications for Notre Dame, said that 80% of the cathedral’s priceless artifacts such as the Crown of Thorns, attributed to Jesus when he was crucified, were saved by a team of firefighters, cathedral staff, and members of the Ministry of Culture. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region stated, “When you see [the cathedral] from the outside, it’s still standing, and that is quite a miracle.” Pécresse added, “We are terribly, tremendously grateful to the firemen of Paris because they really saved the cathedral. It’s like when your home is burning, and the whole people of France [were] crying and the cries had no color, no name, no race, no parties, but the whole of France was really upset.”

On behalf of the U.S., the White House released a statement from Donald Trump which states, “The United States stands with French citizens, the city of Paris, and the millions of visitors from around the world who have sought solace in that iconic structure. The Cathedral has served as a spiritual home for almost a millennium, and we are saddened to witness the damage to this architectural masterpiece. Notre Dame will continue to serve as a symbol of France, including its freedom of religion and democracy. France is the oldest ally of the United States, and we remember with grateful hearts the tolling of Notre Dame’s bells on September 12, 2001, in solemn recognition of the tragic September 11th attacks on American soil. Those bells will sound again. We stand with France today and offer our assistance in the rehabilitation of this irreplaceable symbol of Western civilization. Vive la France!”

French President, Emmanuel Macron thanked the firefighters who fought the flames for hours and for the donations from around the world, bringing in 300 million euros thus far ($339 million). A French billionaire, Bernard Arnault and his conglomerate company LVMH pledged 200 million euros. Another French billionaire, François-Henri Pinault, said he and his family would donate 100 million euros. On Wednesday, the Walt Disney company said it will be donating $5 million towards the reconstruction of the cathedral. Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation to his country on national television stating “13th-century basilica rebuilt within five years. We will rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral even more beautiful.” France has endured revolutions and wars and through this “we’ve always rebuilt.”

Photo courtesy of NBCNEWS.COM