An ancient relic that many Christians revere as Jesus Christ’s “Crown of Thorns” returned to Notre Dame, five years after it was saved from the flames of the cathedral’s devastating 2019 fire.
The crown — a circular band of branches encased in a gilded golden tube —was brought back to its historic home on December 13, 2024.
The relic was first mentioned by Jerusalem pilgrims in the 5th century before being transferred to Constantinople in the 10th century.
In 1239, it was acquired by King Louis IX of France, who brought it to Paris and housed it at Notre Dame before commissioning the Sainte-Chapelle for its safekeeping. It was later returned to Notre Dame.
