Notre-Dame de Paris Reopens After Five Years of Restoration
On November 29, 2024, Notre-Dame de Paris revealed its stunning restoration to the public, marking a significant milestone five years after the catastrophic fire that devastated the iconic cathedral on April 15, 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the site, expressing his pride in the monumental effort that has gone into restoring this Gothic masterpiece. He described the reopening, set for the weekend of December 7-8, as a "shock of hope," contrasting it with the despair felt during the fire.
During his visit, Macron acknowledged the contributions of the 2,000 craftsmen and workers involved in the restoration, emphasizing their dedication and skill. He stated, "You were the alchemists of the construction site and you transformed coal into art," highlighting the collaborative spirit that characterized this unprecedented project. The restoration, which cost approximately 700 million euros, was funded entirely through donations from around 340,000 contributors worldwide, with France leading in generosity.
A Historic Achievement in Restoration
The restoration project involved extensive work, with over 600 craftsmen, architects, and engineers working daily to restore the cathedral's beauty. Key figures include the use of 2,000 oaks for the spire and framework, 4,000 square meters of lead for the roof, and 1,000 cubic meters of stone for the walls and vaults. Additionally, 2,000 statues and decorations were meticulously restored, ensuring that the cathedral retains its historical significance.
Macron's visit included a tour of the cathedral's main achievements, culminating at the base of the newly reconstructed spire, which mirrors the original design by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The president expressed his awe at the transformation, stating, "It's sublime," and praised the cathedral's enhanced accessibility and beauty.
Upcoming Celebrations and Global Attention
The reopening ceremony is anticipated to be a grand event, with Macron planning to invite numerous foreign leaders to celebrate this momentous occasion. The weekend will feature religious ceremonies, including the awakening of the organ, a Te Deum, and the consecration of the altar, alongside the sealing of relics linked to the Church of Paris. While the presence of Pope Francis is confirmed for a later date in Corsica, the cathedral's reopening is expected to draw significant international attention, reinforcing its status as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for France.