The 850-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site had parts of its roof and vault destroyed in the incident, which French prosecutors claim could have been caused by electrical malfunction or a burning cigarette.
PARIS — For the first time since 1803, Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral won’t be holding Christmas services this year, with reconstruction works still going on after it was badly damaged by fire in April.
The 850-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site had parts of its roof and vault destroyed in the incident, which French prosecutors claim could have been caused by electrical malfunction or a burning cigarette.
Paris’ iconic cathedral had remained open for Christmas even during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
Still, midnight mass will be held on Christmas Eve at the nearby church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, according to AFP.
French president Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to rebuild the Cathedral in five years. France’s Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also announced an international competition for architects to rebuild, and perhaps even redesign, the fallen spire that once stood on the medieval structure.