Before and after photos show extent of fire damage to Notre Dame

This week, the entire world is paying tribute to the Notre Dame cathedral, which was almost destroyed in a devastating blaze, as Paris officials vowed to restore the landmark back to its original glory. After 850 years, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to revive the cathedral in just five years, but other authorities say the process could take "decades".

Here's the tragic moment that the iconic spire of the Notre Dame succumbed to the flames:

Immediately in the aftermath of the fire, we got a brief glimpse of the work ahead for the men and women who will be responsible for restoring this historic building. Here are some before and after photos that demonstrate the fire damage done to the Notre Dame.

1. Here is the interior of the Notre Dame, before the fire:

Credit: 1233

2. Here is what the interior of the Notre Dame looked like after the fire

Credit: 1577

3. The altar and crucifix (before)

Credit: 1888

4. The altar and crucifix at the Notre Dame (after)

Credit: 2215

5. The exterior of the Notre Dame, before

Credit: 2523

6. The exterior of the Notre Dame (after)

Credit: 2831

7. Another view of the interior (before)

Credit: 3138

8. The interior (after)

Credit: 3427

9. A stonework design near the top of the cathedral, before

Credit: 3762

10. The same stonework, after the flames devastated Notre Dame:

Credit: 4099

"We will rebuild Notre Dame, because it’s what the French people expect," Emmanuel Macron said in a press conference following the fire at the cathedral. With the damage at the cathedral as severe as it seems in these photos, what's for sure is that it will not be an easy (or brief) task.