Paris’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral reopens on December 7, five years after the devastating fire destroyed its spire and roof. French President Emmanuel Macron led a televised tour on Friday, showcasing the remarkable restoration of the Gothic masterpiece.
Macron revealed the Cathedral’s stunning renovated interior, which now shines with restored murals and gleaming white walls. Macron’s wife, Brigitte, and the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, accompanied him during the tour.
The medieval church is updated with a golden cross and a modern altar and restored to its original form, the spire towers above Paris once more as a representation of resilience. At least 2000 skilled artisans, engineers, and architects collaborated to complete the ambitious project in five years.
Specialists meticulously replicated the oak ceiling and stonework, replacing areas destroyed during the blaze on April 15, 2019. “This project was a human adventure of epic proportions in terms of building and prowess, involving the patient and dedicated work of a chain of talents working with one another passing the torch to those of the centuries to come,” Macron satiated during his tour.
The restoration preserved the vital historical features, including the stained glass windows and the Crown of Thorns relic, while integrating modern safety measures such as fire doors and sprinklers. Macron praised the project as a testament to French ingenuity, describing it as a once-in-a-century project.
Critics doubted Macron’s 2019 promise to rebuild Notre Dame within five years, but the $760 million restoration remains on track. Public contributions, including nearly $1 billion in global donations, were crucial in funding the efforts.
Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, holds deep historical significance as the site of Napoleon’s coronation and a symbol of France’s heritage. The Cathedral’s reopening promises a grand celebration, culminating in the first mass since the fire.
