The famous rose window of Notre – Dame was spared but blaze damages priceless works of art

Four hundred – year – old paintings hung high inside Notre – Dame were damaged by the huge fire that engulfed the Paris Cathedral, but emergency workers formed a human chain to whisk out of the way of harm gem – studded chalices and other priceless artifacts.

Notre – Dame’s famous stained – glass rose windows and most of its many religious relics also seemed to have escaped the worst of Monday’s inferno, ease fears about the fate of the vast artwork trove in the 800-year – old gothic cathedral.

The “Sainte Couronne,” made of braided reed brought to France from Constantinople in the 12th century, was among the most cherished articles to make it unscathed. The crown has been revered for centuries as an object of Christian worship, although it lacks its original thorns.

The extent of the damage to the 13th – century South Rose Window of Notre – Dame, measuring 10 meters across (33 feet), and other stained – glass masterpieces still standing after the wood – beamed roof of the cathedral collapsed, was still worn by art specialists.

Minister of Culture Franck Riester said the paintings were mainly affected by smoke damage instead of flames. Dampened during the 15-hour battle to douse the blaze, the artworks will be removed from Friday and transferred to the Louvre Museum, where other objects will also be kept, he added for attempts at restoration.