In brief
The Crown of Thorns, believed to have adorned Jesus during his crucifixion, has been welcomed back to Notre-Dame Cathedral, now renovated and ready for the public.
---The beloved Crown of Thorns has officially returned to the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after surviving a catastrophic fire that severely damaged the iconic structure. The sacred relic, encased in a stunning crystal and gold tube, was celebrated in a special ceremony led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, symbolizing a poignant moment in the cathedral's restoration.Originally acquired by King Louis IX from Constantinople in 1239, the Crown of Thorns has a rich history, having once been housed at the Sainte-Chapelle and later in Notre-Dame's treasury since 1806. Remarkably, during the fire, firefighters formed a human chain to save vital artifacts, securing the crown in safety.After a thorough renovation estimated at €700m, which mobilized around 2,000 skilled professionals, Notre-Dame reopened to the public on December 8. Attendance at the recent ceremony included prominent members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, while President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the lessons of humility and resilience in his speech. Starting January 10, the public will have the opportunity to view this ancient relic once more in its newly crafted reliquary, signifying both a triumphant return and a renewed appreciation for the cathedral's heritage and the stories it holds.
