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A hanging cross in the centre of Notre Dame cathedral has remained intact, despite the devastating blaze.

Images from inside the medieval Catholic cathedral show scenes of blackened walls and floors, with the burnt remains of pews piled before the altar.

As smoke rises from the rubble, the cross above the alter remains firmly in place, untouched by the fire that ripped through one of the world's most ionic landmarks.

The inferno saw much of the Paris cathedral's roof collapse, and the main spire crumble and fall to the floor after succumbing to the flames.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

(Image: UIG via Getty Images)

However pictures of the holy symbol in the cathedral's nave show it bathed in light giving the impression the cross is emitting a warm glow.

Some have taken to social media to share their amazement at the cross remaining intact.

Kaylee Crain said: "After all the aftermath and destruction of the Notre Dame fire, the alter cross remained untouched.

"Please explain to me how you don't believe in God after seeing this."

Matt Williams said: "Incredible picture in the aftermath of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire with the cross still intact."

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: AbacaPress / SplashNews.com)

Baylor Cook said: "In the midst of fire and destruction at Notre Dame, the cross still stands. That's beautiful, that's poetic, that's God."

As the blaze took hold last night, Monday, crowds of stunned tourists and Parisians stood by the River Seine singing Ave Maria and offering prayers.

Heartbreaking photos inside show smoke rising around the altar in front of the cross.

The orange glow of flames can also be seen in between the stone vault and the wooden frame.

It appeared that only part of the vault had collapsed in the blaze.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

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Its debris can be seen strewn across the floor.

But many people said the images gave them hope that not all was lost - as was feared at first.

One person wrote online: "It's still terrible, but this photo actually gives me hope that his much history may not be as lost as it seemed."

Another wrote: "If the vault is still mostly intact, it will be the best news I've had all day."