Earlier, a large fire broke out at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

The cause of the fire is still not known but officials are saying that it could be linked to the ongoing renovation work.

The world was stunned after images and video clips were shared of the fire and smoke above the historic building on social media platforms.

The spire of the cathedral also collapsed.

#notredame pic.twitter.com/FgU3uAr3PJ

— cristina casacuberta (@ccasacub) April 15, 2019

Mayor Anne Hidalgo said that the crown of thorns and the tunic of St. Louis were saved and added that the most significant collection of artwork has also been saved.

Merci aux @PompiersParis, aux policiers et aux agents municipaux qui ont réalisé ce soir une formidable chaîne humaine pour sauver les œuvres de #NotreDame. La couronne d'épines, la tunique de Saint Louis et plusieurs autres œuvres majeures sont à présent en lieu sûr. pic.twitter.com/cbrGWCbL2N

— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) April 15, 2019

The Notre Dame Cathedral is 850-years-old, last year the Catholic Church launched an appeal for funds to repair the historic buildings, the famous cathedral had serious signs of decay.

The construction of the Notre Dame, which translates to “Our Lady” started in 1160 and was finished a hundred years later in the year 1260.

The cathedral has been modified on a couple of occasions since it was completed.

Priceless artifacts, which include the crown of thorns, have been saved amid the widespread of the fire that heavily damaged the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Officials said that the Holy Crown of Thorns, which is described as the object placed on Jesus’ head to mock him before his crucifixion in the Holy Bible, has also been saved.

Officials of the Cathedral said, “The Holy Crown is, without doubt, the most valuable and the most revered relics preserved at Notre Dame de Paris.”

The Holy Crown was brought to Paris in the 13th century, said the representatives of the Cathedral.

Julio Bermudez, a professor at the School of Architecture and Planning at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. said, “This cathedral has a number of elements that are not just famous but religiously significant.”

He added, “One, of course, is the crown of thorns. … The faithful believe this is the crown that the Savior put on his head. It’s kept in a very safe place. But you know the fire is tremendously damaging.”