“Notre Dame of Paris is our history,” Macron continued, emphasizing the structure’s unique place in the national imagination. The gargoyles — immortalized in Victor Hugo’s classic novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” — were likewise added in the nineteenth century. Throughout French cultural history, Notre Dame has served as a powerful symbol of Paris and of France’s cultural heritage. President Trump tweeted his advice to Paris on Monday: “So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. “Notre Dame of Paris is Notre Dame of all of Europe,” tweeted European Council President Donald Tusk.

Source: Washington Post April 15, 2019 17:25 UTC