'I was so fascinated by this idea of Notre Dame de Paris as a kind of Quasimodo itself, an amalgamation of different types of architectural styles accumulated over the centuries and centered by this bright, cyclops eye that was its rose window,' said Leigh Giangreco, a reporter at The Capitol Forum who studied in Paris in 2012 and recalled reading Hugo's book while viewing the cathedral across the Seine at the Shakespeare & Company bookstore.A Gothic building constructed during Medieval times, Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral is home to a number of sculptures, including many gargoyles. The novel remains a gateway into the majesty of Notre Dame today.

The gargoyles and the spire were added the beheaded kings were re-headed. Hugo's wistful, achingly human tragedy of the hunchback named Quasimodo who both lives in and stands for the cathedral itself, ringing its iconic bells and offering sanctuary to a beautiful gypsy named Esmeralda helped spur on public support for the building that led to a major renovation in the 19th century. Thousands watched in horror as Notre Dame burned on Monday, some capturing the moment on their cell phones or singing hymns. Another couple did enter and licked the inside of the building ('a tiny, non-damaging lick to cement our bond.') One visitor recalled how her then-boyfriend refused to enter the building, afraid the metal detectors would set off the engagement ring he was concealing in his pocket. They talked to Notre Dame staff, who said their favorite part of the job was watching the light change over Paris from the tops of the towers. Practicing Catholics, members of non-Christian faiths and nonreligious people all recalled being overcome by a sense of spiritual awe when they stepped inside the structure and returning years later to light candles for loved ones. Online, Americans shared their remembrances of visiting the cathedral and climbing the towers. This felt like watching a symphony being erased from the page.

Only the scaffolding surrounding it is left on Tuesday. Notre Dame Cathedral's spire is seen in December.

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