A major fire broke out at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on Monday afternoon, sending flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky.

Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Notre Dame is the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages as well as one of the most beloved structures in the world. Situated on the Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine river, its architecture is famous for, among other things, its many gargoyles and its iconic flying buttresses. Photo by AFP

"Everything is burning," a cathedral spokesman said. Photo by AFP

Crowds looked on in dismay and prayed as night fell and Notre-Dame continued to burn. Photo by AFP

People pray and sing ‘Ave Maria’ next to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday. Photo by Reuters

Smoke billows as fire engulfs the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo by AFP

Officials said relics were inside the Notre-Dame at the time of the blaze, and firefighters raced to save them. Photo by Reuters

People gathered on the Seine River to watch the blaze. Photo by Reuters

Sparks fill the air as Paris Fire brigade members spray water to extinguish flames as the Notre Dame Cathedral burns in Paris. Photo by Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, stand in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral where a fire burns in Paris, France, April 15, 2019. Photo by Reuters