The cathedral dating back to 13th Century is in a fragile state as estimates in 2019 showed that there was a 50-50 chance of a collapse. The lockdown has brought its preservation to a halt.
However, this is not a new experience to Europe as WWII saw many cathedrals being doomed to destruction as they were symbols of the region’s culture. Cologne’s Cathedral, the tallest standing Gothic Churches of its time was destroyed with rest of the city centre. But today, it again stands as most revered national symbols in Germany.
To find out how the cathedral was saved post World War II and how Notre Dame is being monitored now, log on to National Geographic.