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Notre-Dame fire: Treasures that make it so special Notre-Dame fire: Treasures that make it so special
(about 8 hours later)
A catastrophic fire has engulfed the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, destroying its roof, toppling the spire and threatening the remaining structure of the building.A catastrophic fire has engulfed the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, destroying its roof, toppling the spire and threatening the remaining structure of the building.
The deputy mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire, said the cathedral had suffered "colossal damages", and the emergency services were trying to salvage the art and other priceless pieces stored in the cathedral.The deputy mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire, said the cathedral had suffered "colossal damages", and the emergency services were trying to salvage the art and other priceless pieces stored in the cathedral.
The wooden interior has been destroyed.The wooden interior has been destroyed.
But which other features in the 850-year-old Gothic structure make it stand out in a city of iconic buildings?But which other features in the 850-year-old Gothic structure make it stand out in a city of iconic buildings?
Rose windowsRose windows
The cathedral has three rose windows dating back to the 13th century, which are among its most famous features. It is unclear whether any of them has survived the fire. The cathedral has three rose windows dating back to the 13th century, which are among its most famous features.
The first, and smallest, on the west facade, was finished in around 1225 and celebrated for the way the glass seemingly upheld the stonework around it.The first, and smallest, on the west facade, was finished in around 1225 and celebrated for the way the glass seemingly upheld the stonework around it.
The south rose has a diameter of nearly 13m (43ft) and is made up of 84 panels.The south rose has a diameter of nearly 13m (43ft) and is made up of 84 panels.
However, it no longer retains its original stained glass because it was damaged in previous fires.However, it no longer retains its original stained glass because it was damaged in previous fires.
French journalist Laurent Valdiguié tweeted on Monday night that the north rose window appeared to have survived, although firefighters remained concerned.
It is unclear whether any of the others escaped the blaze.
Two towersTwo towers
Most visitors to Notre-Dame will spend some time standing before two Gothic towers which crown the western facade of the cathedral.Most visitors to Notre-Dame will spend some time standing before two Gothic towers which crown the western facade of the cathedral.
Work on the western facade began in 1200, but the first tower - the north one - was not completed until 40 years later.Work on the western facade began in 1200, but the first tower - the north one - was not completed until 40 years later.
Ten years after that, in 1250, the southern tower was completed.Ten years after that, in 1250, the southern tower was completed.
Both towers are 68m high, and climbing the 387 steps gives panoramic views of Paris.Both towers are 68m high, and climbing the 387 steps gives panoramic views of Paris.
Officials said that both bell towers remain intact.
GargoylesGargoyles
Anyone feeling fit enough to climb the stairs and gain views across Paris will have to pass another of the cathedrals best-known features - the gargoyles.Anyone feeling fit enough to climb the stairs and gain views across Paris will have to pass another of the cathedrals best-known features - the gargoyles.
These mythical creatures are typically composed of more than one animal.These mythical creatures are typically composed of more than one animal.
The most famous - known as the "Stryge" gargoyle - sits on top of the building, watching out over the city with its head in its hands.The most famous - known as the "Stryge" gargoyle - sits on top of the building, watching out over the city with its head in its hands.
BellsBells
The cathedral has 10 bells - the largest, known as Emmanuel, weighs over 23 tonnes and was installed in the south tower in 1685.The cathedral has 10 bells - the largest, known as Emmanuel, weighs over 23 tonnes and was installed in the south tower in 1685.
The cathedral celebrated its 850th anniversary in 2013 by recasting the smaller bells from the north tower.The cathedral celebrated its 850th anniversary in 2013 by recasting the smaller bells from the north tower.
Each was blessed with the name of a Saint to replicate the original bells that were melted for cannon balls during the French Revolution.Each was blessed with the name of a Saint to replicate the original bells that were melted for cannon balls during the French Revolution.
Writer Victor Hugo used the cathedral as a setting for his 1831 work The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.Writer Victor Hugo used the cathedral as a setting for his 1831 work The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
His main character, Quasimodo, is feared by locals for the way he looks - but finds sanctuary in the cathedral and is employed as a bell-ringer.His main character, Quasimodo, is feared by locals for the way he looks - but finds sanctuary in the cathedral and is employed as a bell-ringer.
Gothic spireGothic spire
Notre-Dame's famous spire, which collapsed during Monday's fire, dates back to the 12th Century.Notre-Dame's famous spire, which collapsed during Monday's fire, dates back to the 12th Century.
It underwent several changes in the building's history - including being dismantled during the French Revolution, and later rebuilt in the 1860s.It underwent several changes in the building's history - including being dismantled during the French Revolution, and later rebuilt in the 1860s.
Reflecting on its collapse, Royal Institute of British Architects said: "The loss of the roof and spire of Notre Dame, and possibly the stone vault too, is an irreplaceable blow to the heritage of French Gothic architecture.Reflecting on its collapse, Royal Institute of British Architects said: "The loss of the roof and spire of Notre Dame, and possibly the stone vault too, is an irreplaceable blow to the heritage of French Gothic architecture.
"Our heart goes out to the people of France, and to lovers of our shared cultural heritage wherever they are.""Our heart goes out to the people of France, and to lovers of our shared cultural heritage wherever they are."
RelicsRelics
Notre-Dame is home to relics from the Passion of Christ, described as a piece of the cross, a nail and the Holy Crown of Thorns.Notre-Dame is home to relics from the Passion of Christ, described as a piece of the cross, a nail and the Holy Crown of Thorns.
The crown is said to have been rescued from the flames. Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, tweeted that firefighters, police and others formed a human chain to rescue the crown, the tunic of St Louis and other valuable artefacts.