Notre-Dame Cathedral Welcomes Back Crown of Thorns After Restoration

Five years after a catastrophic fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral has officially welcomed back the Crown of Thorns, an ancient relic believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, in a ceremonial event led by the Archbishop of Paris as part of the cathedral's extensive restoration.

 

In a moment of reverence and renewal, the Crown of Thorns has returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking a significant milestone in the iconic structure's restoration after a devastating fire in 2019. The crown, thought to have adorned Jesus during his crucifixion, was retrieved from the cathedral's debris by first responders and safeguarded throughout the restoration process.

The ceremony for the crown's return, overseen by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, was attended by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and symbolized a deep connection to the cathedral's rich history. Originally acquired in 1239 by King Louis IX during the Crusades, the relic was displayed in the Sainte-Chapelle before being moved to Notre-Dame.

During the fire, which ravaged the cathedral's wooden interior and spire, firefighters formed a human chain to preserve this historic piece alongside other invaluable artifacts. In the wake of the disaster, the crown was temporarily kept at the Louvre Museum while restoration work on the cathedral commenced.

Following extensive renovations valued at €700 million and involving thousands of skilled craftsmen, Notre-Dame reopened to the public on December 8, with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the fragility and importance of cultural preservation during the ceremony.

The Crown of Thorns will be on public display starting January 10, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience of both faith and heritage in the face of adversity.