The fire-gutted Notre-Dame cathedral contained some of the most sacred relics of the Christian faith, including the Holy Crown of Thorns believed to have been worn by Jesus at his crucifixion.

A colossal fire swept through the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris yesterday, causing a spire to collapse and threatening to destroy the entire masterpiece and its precious artworks.

Notre-Dame Cathedral goes up in flames in a roaring blaze that devasted the Parisian landmark, one of France's most visited places.