A fire engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on 15 April, destroying its medieval roof and bringing down the landmark spire.

What happened

Firefighters saved the main stone structure, towers and many works of art. Investigators treated the blaze as accidental while examining renovation activity.

Why it mattered

The damage to a globally recognized cultural and religious monument produced an extraordinary response in France and abroad.

Context and consequences

President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the cathedral, launching a complex conservation project supported by public and private donations.

Sources