15 APRIL 2019
This souvenir sheet commemorates the 850th anniversary of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris. France Post issued this sheet on the 19th of January 2013.The background shows the cathedral viewed from the Seine. The two stamps show details of the stained glass window located in the west.
The quatrefoil stamp illustrates the threshing of cereals and the circular stamp features the Blessed Virgin and Child.
It is recorded in the Memoriale Historiarum that the construction of Notre-Dame began between 24 March and 25 April 1163 with the laying of the cornerstone in the presence of King Louis VII and Pope Alexander III. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is built in the Gothic style, facing the rising sun in the East, in the form of a cross. Notre-Dame measures 130 meters long, 48 wide, 35 high and can accommodate over 6000 people.
While undergoing renovation and restoration, the Notre-Dame de Paris caught fire on 15 April 2019 and sustained significant damage, including the destruction of two-thirds of the roof and the spire. Artwork, relics, and other antiques stored at the cathedral including the supposed crown of thorns which Jesus wore prior to his crucifixion and a piece of the cross on which he was crucified, are believed to have been rescued, however, other priceless pieces of historyincluding one of the finest organs in the world and a collection of bells, some of which were renovated at the 850th anniversary of the cathedral. have been damaged or lost forever. Much to the relief of art historians, the cathedral's three famous rose windows have survived the fire.