In brief
The Crown of Thorns, a revered relic linked to Jesus Christ, has triumphantly returned to Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking a significant moment five years after being rescued from a devastating fire in Paris.
The Crown, thought to have been placed on Jesus's head during his crucifixion, consists of a circle of rushes protected by a crystal and gold casing. It was officially returned during a poignant ceremony led by Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, symbolizing the cathedral's gradual restoration journey following the tragic fire that ravaged the structure in 2019.Acquired by King Louis IX in 1239 from Constantinople at an enormous cost of 135,000 livres, the Crown has deep historical importance. After residing initially at the Sainte-Chapelle, it found its permanent home in Notre-Dame's treasury in 1806 until tragic events thrust it into the spotlight. Firefighters heroically saved the Crown alongside numerous other artifacts during the blaze that resulted in the destruction of the cathedral’s interior and its iconic spire.While the relic was housed temporarily at the Louvre Museum during restoration efforts costing around €700 million and involving thousands of skilled craftsmen, it has now been placed in a newly constructed reliquary, supplanting the previous one lost in the fire. The ceremony to welcome back the Crown featured a procession attended by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, emphasizing its religious significance. Starting from January 10, the Crown of Thorns will be accessible to the public, allowing visitors to engage with its storied past.As the cathedral reopens after extensive renovations, having welcomed the public on December 8, 2022, leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the resilience embodied in the restoration, encouraging the public to appreciate the lesson of fragility that comes with such heritage.
