![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2020/06/09/fb813b39656d4e6d87c62ba847dc2bb9.jpg)
Workers in Paris begin removing large sections of damaged scaffolding from the exterior of Notre Dame cathedral on June 8, 2020. (Photo: China News Service/Li Yang)
The scaffolding had initially been placed on the cathedral's old spire for renovation, but was caught in a 2019 blaze that destroyed the spire and roof.
Construction on the historic cathedral began in 1163 and finished in 1345.
![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2020/06/09/bb158cc8dd094d13af8ab490295919b3.jpg)
Workers in Paris begin removing large sections of damaged scaffolding from the exterior of Notre Dame cathedral on June 8, 2020. (Photo: China News Service/Li Yang)
![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2020/06/09/1a7f628d19c14b65b938510d9d64fe5b.jpg)
Workers in Paris begin removing large sections of damaged scaffolding from the exterior of Notre Dame cathedral on June 8, 2020. (Photo: China News Service/Li Yang)
![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2020/06/09/0c12d74ebc6c423d9f9b6edb48200b6a.jpg)
Workers in Paris begin removing large sections of damaged scaffolding from the exterior of Notre Dame cathedral on June 8, 2020. (Photo: China News Service/Li Yang)