French Minister Of Culture Visits Saint Denis Basilica

SAINT DENIS, FRANCE - MARCH 14: Sculptures representing the tombs of the kings of France stand during an inauguration ceremony to mark the launch of Saint Denis Basilica spire reconstruction on March 14, 2025 in Saint Denis, France. For more than 170 years, the basilica has been deprived of its tower and its north spire, which reached a height of 90 meters. In 2018, a framework agreement was signed between the “Follow the Spire” association, the French Ministry of Culture, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux and the bishop's palace to rebuild the north spire, which had been dismantled in 1846. This major reconstruction project will begin in spring 2025. (Footage by Vincent Isore/IP3/Getty Images)