On Monday evening, in Paris, the Notre Dame Cathedral caught on fire and eventually collapsed. This cathedral is so important to people today not only because it was built in the 1160s, but because it symbolizes the city of Paris and people tend to resonate with its religious significance. According to CBS News, “The cathedral receives nearly 13 million visitors a year and is home to exquisite religious artifacts, paintings, sculptures and other priceless works of art.” Although a majority of the cathedral came down officials believe that they could still save the cathedral’s landmark rectangular towers from the blaze. Firefighters finally got the blaze under control and later put out around eleven o’clock at night, but even after the fire was put out officials were worried about the water damage that the cathedral may have to endure in the future.

The first thought that investigators put into thought was that it was a terrorist act, especially because it happened to occur the week of Holy Week, but now investigators think an electrical short-circuit most likely caused Notre Dame Cathedral fire. At the time of the fire the cathedral was undergoing renovations.

As of now, they plan on rebuilding the cathedral within the next five years. Many people have helped with the cost, including the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and also one man, French billionaire François-Henri Pinault, is lending $13 million towards rebuilding the cathedral. In the end, according to officials, the cathedral’s stone facade and two main towers avoided collapsing. Also, according to CBS News, priceless paintings and artifacts have been saved. Although some important items have been saved, the world famous stainless steel windows were destroyed.

The Notre Dame Cathedral had a couple major parts collapse and ruined, but it is soon to be rebuilt. Although it will take time, it will be a backup so guests can re-enter the beautiful cathedral.