48 FOCUS - JUNE 2019 one of the statues. In some cases, in an effort to sweeten the pot, guaranteed seats in purgatory were offered and in two cases, reserved seating in heaven. Until recently, the Cathedral of Notre Dame (Virgin Mary) was the most frequented stop for sightseers to Paris, with more than 12 million tourists visiting each year. Three arti- facts, which have been scientifically acknowledged as being original, are kept within the walls of the cathedral. They are the most important relics in Christendom, and include the Crown of Thorns, a sliver of the true cross, and a nail from the true cross. The reason for this article on Notre Dame is due to the great fire, which oc- curred on April 15, 2019, during which, the spire, the oak frame and lead roof were destroyed. It is speculated that the fire was linked to ongoing renovation work. The main structure was intact, and firefighters saved the façade, tow- ers, walls, buttresses, and stained glass windows (although some of the glass in the rose window had melted). The great organ, which has over 8,000 pipes and was built by Francois Thierry in the 18th century, was also saved, but sustained water damage. As part of the ongoing renovation, the copper statues on the spire had been removed before the fire. The stone vaulting that forms the ceiling of the cathedral has several holes but is otherwise intact. Since 1905, France’s cathedrals (including Notre Dame) have been owned by the state, which is self- insured. Some costs might be recov- ered through insurance coverage if the fire is found to have been caused by contractors working on the site. The French insurer AXA provided insur- ance coverage for two of the contract- ing firms working on Notre Dame’s restoration before the blaze, which devastated the cathedral. AXA also provided insurance coverage for some of the relics and artworks in the Ca- thedral. Fortunately they are safe and have been moved to the City Hall. Approximately 500 firefighters helped to battle the fire. One firefighter was seriously injured and two police officers were hurt during the blaze. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that Notre Dame would be restored, and called for the work to be completed within five years. An international architectural competition was also an- nounced to redesign the spire and roof. Paris has many other interesting sights, well worth visiting, but it is ex- tremely sad that it’s most famous land- mark will be closed to the public for a number of years. Statues at Notre Dame with faces of wealthy patrons. The beautiful pipe organ at Notre Dame Cathedral. Jonathan van Bilsen is an award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Follow his adventures at photosNtravel.com April in Paris (continued from page 47) Rose window at Notre Dame Cathedral. * based on double occupancy EXPERIENCE s t e w a r t t o u r s s t e w a r t t o u r s s t e w a r t t o u r s s t e w a r t t o u r s $1662 per person* (air, transfers, hotel - Holiday Inn Express Times Square) SEPTEMBER 12 -15 Fly direct from Peterborough Airport * based on double occupancy $1662 per person* (air, transfers, hotel - Holiday Inn Express Times Square) SEPTEMBER 12 -15 Fly direct from Peterborough Airport MC TICO #4577532 158 Casimir St., Port Perry virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca 905-985-2268