Crown of Thorns of Notre Dame

Tucked safely in a grand reliquary in Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most revered relics in all of Christendom, the Crown of Thorns. A symbol of sacrifice, devotion, and divine kingship, it has traversed centuries, empires, and revolutions to remain a powerful testament to faith. Today, it is not only a cornerstone of Christian devotion but also a cherished emblem of French heritage.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John recount how, before the crucifixion, Roman soldiers mockingly placed a crown made of thorny branches on Jesus Christ’s head. This act was meant to ridicule Him as the “King of the Jews,” when all his supporters had abandoned him. Instead, it would forever symbolize His suffering and humility.

Early Christians venerated this relic as a tangible connection to the Passion of Christ. According to tradition, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Crown of Thorns was carefully preserved by early followers in Jerusalem, later safeguarded by the Byzantine emperors. According to Christian tradition, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the relics in the late 4th century. They were venerated in Jerusalem for centuries before being transferred to Constantinople around the 10th century. Over time, it became one of the most sacred objects of Christian devotion, inspiring both reverence and pilgrimage across centuries.

The journey of the relic to France is a fascinating blend of devotion and diplomacy. In 1239, King Louis IX, who was later venerated as Saint Louis, purchased the Crown of Thorns from the Byzantine Emperor Baldwin II, who was in need of some quick cash. Saint Louis purchased it for 135,000 livres, which was nearly half France’s annual expenditure at the time! To honor this priceless relic, the king commissioned the construction of Sainte-Chapelle, the Gothic masterpiece of stained glass that would safeguard the Crown for over five centuries.

During the French Revolution (1789 – 1799), many religious artifacts were hidden, sold, or relocated to protect them as the monarchy had fallen and the Catholic Church’s properties were confiscated or destroyed. However, the Crown of Thorns was spared because it was recognized as an important historical and cultural artifact rather than solely a religious object. Revolutionaries, who often targeted church symbols, saw its value as part of the national heritage of France. It was safeguarded at the National Library before being returned to the Church under Napoleon’s rule. In 1806, the Crown was transferred to Notre Dame representing the restoration of religious heritage and national identity in post-revolutionary France.

Learn more about the history of construction and restoration at Notre Dame

For Christians, the Crown of Thorns represents a direct and physical link to the suffering of Jesus Christ. As one of the most revered relics of the Passion, it continues to attract pilgrims, historians, and theologians from around the globe. To stand before it is to stand before centuries of devotion, sacrifice, and faith.

While it remains impossible to scientifically confirm whether this is the very crown that rested upon Christ’s head, centuries of unwavering faith, devotion, and preservation have transformed it into a living symbol of belief itself. What endures is not the proof of its authenticity, but the profound spiritual connection it continues to inspire among those who come to behold it.

Beyond its religious meaning, the Crown of Thorns is also a national treasure. Throughout history, kings, emperors, and popes have paid homage to it — from Saint Louis to Napoleon Bonaparte — affirming its place in France’s spiritual and cultural narrative. Its story is as much about faith as it is about France’s enduring identity. Although today France has a strong sense of separation between church and state, its history of Catholic faith still endures culturally in its holidays, foods, and sense of living.

Notre Dame is full of national treasures! Read about the ancient bells found in the Bell Towers! 

On April 15, 2019, the devastating fire broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral, destroying its roof and spire and causing widespread damage. There was significant concern that the Crown of Thorns, along with other sacred relics, would be lost in the blaze.

Thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of Father Jean-Marc Fournier and the Paris Fire Brigade, the relic was carefully retrieved and secured. They formed a human chain and broke the airtight glass case that had housed it. First, it was taken to Paris City Hall and later transferred to the Louvre Museum for safekeeping and inspection. Their brave actions preserved an invaluable piece of both spiritual and cultural heritage during a moment of national crisis.

As of December 2024, the Crown of Thorns was formally returned to its historic home at Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after the fire that devastated the building. The relic’s return marked a defining moment in the cathedral’s restoration.

Encased in a new crystal and gold reliquary, the Crown was placed in the axial chapel, behind the choir, during a ceremony led by the Archbishop of Paris. The moment symbolized both reverence and resilience, honoring centuries of faith.

The reopening of Notre Dame in December 2024 also introduced new digital installations and interpretive exhibits, designed to offer visitors an immersive understanding of the relic’s journey and meaning — from Jerusalem to Paris, from fire to rebirth. It stands today as a must-see for both pilgrims and lovers of history alike.

Learn more about the precious relics inside Notre Dame here!

Visiting the Crown of Thorns at Notre-Dame de Paris is a deeply moving experience, but it’s also one that requires some planning and understanding of the relic’s exceptional security and preservation measures.

The relic rests within a modern reliquary designed by architect Sylvain Dubuisson. When on display, visitors can glimpse the relic through its transparent crystal ring. It is an elegant blend of sacred tradition and contemporary artistry located in the axial chapel at the eastern end of the cathedral. The new reliquary and restoration work have also incorporated advanced fire-resistant and disaster-prevention systems to secure the relic against any future risk.

However, the Crown of Thorns is not on permanent display.

Visitors can now only witness the Crown of Thorns during public veneration ceremonies held every first Friday of the month at 3 pm until 5 pm, as well as on Good Friday and other special liturgical occasions. A piece of the True Cross and a Nail of the Passion are displayed alongside the Crown. During these times, you may even be able to touch the relic as an act of faith!

Outside these dates, the Crown is secured inside a high-security safe, discreetly embedded in the base of the reliquary, which itself resembles a marble altar tomb. This carefully controlled schedule ensures both the relic’s preservation and the sanctity of each viewing moment.