First look inside devastated Notre Dame Cathedral after inferno

It’s a place for religious observance and was the scene of countless historic moments. Now Notre Dame has been totally transformed.

As the smoke contines to circle around the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris, the first photos of the damage inside the 850-year-old landmark have been released.

Notre Dame went up in flames about 6.50pm local time on Monday night — 2.50am AEST. A spokesman for the cathedral told local media the fire alarm went off almost immediately.

Smoke could be seen coming from the building’s attic and pictures and video of the fire were being shared around the world on social media within minutes.

The fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris may have involved renovation works being carried out at the site. Picture: Fouad Maghrane / AFP

The fire spread to one of the church’s landmark rectangular towers, with reports that flames could at one stage be seen behind an oblong stained-glass window in the tower.

Paris Fire Department commander general Jean-Claude Gallet said the cathedral’s main structure had been saved after hours of work by firefighters on the scene, but flames had caused significant damage both inside and outside the structure.

French firemen enter the Notre-Dame Cathedral as flames are burning on the roof cathedral in Paris. Picture: EPA/YOAN VALA.

These photos show the interior of the cathedral before and after the fire:

The first images of the destruction inside the burning cathedral show smoke filling the entrance and smouldering rubble blanketing the floor.

This view from the entrance shows smoke rising in front of the altar cross. Picture: Philippe Wojazer / Pool / AFP

Smoke filled the inside of the 850-year-old building. Picture: Philippe Wojazer / Pool / AFP

Rubble smoulders inside the Notre Dame Cathedral. Picture: Philippe Wojazer / Pool / AP

The Nave (main seated chamber inside the cathedral) is littered with piles of debris, as light beams through the cross at the alter.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the fire as a “terrible tragedy,” but said the “worst had been avoided.” Speaking from the scene, he pointed out that the cathedral’s facade and two main towers had not collapsed.

A look inside #NotreDame

1st 📸: 2015 Trip to Paris
2nd 📸: This evening #NotreDameCathedral #Paris pic.twitter.com/s5OHzxOxwz

— Notre-Dame Cathedral (@CathedraleNotre) April 16, 2019

“I’m telling you all tonight — we will rebuild this cathedral together,” Mr Macron said. “This is probably part of the French destiny.

“And we will do it in the next years. Starting tomorrow, a national donation scheme will be started that will extend beyond our borders.”

Inside the smouldering entrance of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Picture: Philippe Wojazer/Pool via AP.

Smoke inside the Notre Dame Cathedral.

There were initial fears that one of the world’s most priceless relics — Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns — might be lost in the fire.

However, the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo announced that the architectural treasure, along with a number of other items, had been saved.

“The crown of thorns, the tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place,” the tweet read.

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

It is understood Parisian firefighters put their lives on the line to save the priceless relics, forming a human chain inside the burning Notre Dame to salvage Jesus Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

Father Fournier, Chaplain of the Paris Firefighters, told reporters he went into the burning cathedral to save the Blessed Sacrament and Crown of Thorns.

The cathedral is one of France’s most popular tourist attractions, second to the Eiffel Tower, and draws about 13 million tourists each year.