The consolidation of Notre-Dame de Paris, the most visited historical monument in Europe until the terrible fire that ravaged it on April 15, resumed Monday morning. The construction site, which has been shut down due to lead pollution, is expected to consolidate the cathedral, weakened further this summer by the hot weather. But, in parallel with this work, the Association of Scientists Servicing the Restoration of Notre-Dame would like to take advantage of the current site to conduct archaeological research into the basement of the building.
" Do not imagine the cathedral as an isolated building ""Why not take the opportunity to open the floor and look under the cathedral We are in an area inhabited by man for a long time," reports to Europe 1 Olivier de Châlus, spokesman the association of scientists in the service of the restoration of Notre-Dame. "Do not imagine the cathedral as an isolated building in an urban setting, but in the Middle Ages the cathedral was part of a group of buildings called an 'episcopal group', that is, a whole neighborhood, "says this specialist.
Learn about the 12th century Notre-Dame
However, the current state of historical knowledge gives us only a very partial vision of how this neighborhood was configured in the 12th century, during which time the construction of the sanctuary began. "We certainly have, under the cathedral, sculpture and mosaic that come from buildings of the 12th century, even from previous buildings, and which are potential treasures", continues this specialist.
And, beyond the cathedral and its surroundings, it is the history of Paris that could better understand the "treasures" that still sleep - Olivier de Châlus is convinced - in the basement of the island from the city…