FX.co ★ 10 Notre Dame’s Most Treasured Relics

Notre Dame's High Altar

Notre Dame de Paris' High Altar was located on the most noticeable place of the Central Nave. Pieta, a famous sculptural composition created by Nicolas Cousteau, stood behind the high altar. The carved base made by François Girardon at the altar’s foot was a work of high art. Statue of dead Jesus Christ being embraced by the Virgin Mary was the central sculpture of the composition. The sculptures of the two monarchs stood next to the Virgin Mary: Louis XIII stood on the right side and Louis XIV was on the left side.

Stained-Glass Windows

Tourists usually stood in awe looking at the three large stained-glass rose windows at Notre Dame Cathedral that depicted the wreaths of roses. The windows' patterns framed with colored glass resembled roses. The core of the flower symbolizes the presence of God in the material world. The size of these windows reaches 13 m in diameter. Notably, these stained-glass windows were considered the largest in Europe.

Saint Denis's Statue

At the entrance to the cathedral’s altar near the pillars on the left side, there were two statues: St. Denis' by Nicolas Cousteau and Madonna and Child, a statue of the 15th century. Sculptor Nicholas Cousteau, a multiple winner of state awards, began to work on St. Denis' statue in 1713. When the work was completed, he was asked to create a sculptural ensemble "The Descent from the Cross" also for Notre Dame de Paris.

Illuminated Manuscript

The illuminated manuscript was among the most treasured relics of Notre Dame. It was an ancient manuscript with decorative ornamental frames, miniatures, and pictures. This manuscript was kept in the cathedral and was considered one of the thousands of precious objects that survived many historical turmoils.

Joan of Arc's Statue

The ancient sculpture of the national heroine of France was also kept in Notre Dame de Paris. Burnt at the stake as a heretic, later the Maid of Orleans was beatified in 1909 and canonized as a Roman Catholic Saint in 1920.

Bas-relief "The Last Supper»

This bas-relief is dedicated to the last days of the Savior on earth. This relic was created by Jean Ravi who died in 1345.

Bas-Relief "The Resurrection"

This bas-relief is part of the altar of Notre Dame cathedral, also dedicated to the biblical theme, showing the appearance of Jesus Christ among the apostles.

Bronze Bell "Ave Maria"

This bell is named after the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bell has the engraved inscription "Hail Mary" in French and Via viatoris quaerit in Latin. The inscriptions can be seen next to the image of the Baby Jesus surrounded by stars and a bas-relief depicting the worship of the Magi. The weight of the bell is 6 thousand kg.

Jesus Christ's Statue

The bronze statue of Jesus Christ crucified on the cross is one of the most priceless treasures at the Notre Dame cathedral. The statue was located on a high marble pedestal with a lot of burning candles underneath. Remarkably, Notre-Dame cathedral has had hundreds of religious and cultural objects.

Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns

Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns is one of the cathedral’s most valuable relics. This relic has a sacred value for the whole Christian world. Its history dates back to 1239, a period when the relic first appeared in France. At first, Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns was placed in Saint-Chapelle. In 1806, the relic was moved to Notre-Dame de Paris. Luckily, it was saved from the fire and transported to the Hotel de Ville, the City Hall in Paris.