Paris, France – After enduring a devastating fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral is preparing to reopen its doors next month. French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside his wife Brigitte Macron, recently toured the iconic cathedral, which has undergone extensive restoration work.
Macron expressed admiration for the cathedral’s newly cleansed stone ceilings and the impressive “forest” of rafters built with 1,500 trees to support the roof. The president personally thanked over 1,200 artisans for their dedication to restoring the Gothic landmark, emphasizing Notre Dame’s significance as a national treasure and the “soul of our country.”
Notre Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has historically attracted millions of visitors annually, faced a catastrophic fire on April 15, 2019. The blaze caused the collapse of the spire, damage to stained-glass windows, paintings, and tapestries, while miraculously saving precious relics like the crown of thorns believed to have adorned Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.
With the support of 340,000 generous donors contributing nearly $1 billion, the cathedral has undergone a remarkable transformation. Notably, new bells, a spire, and thousands of restored stones and pipes have been added to revitalize the architectural gem.
As the restoration nears completion, Notre Dame will reopen to the public and worshippers on December 7, 2024, marking a significant moment in the cathedral’s resilient history. Visitors can once again experience the grandeur of Notre Dame, symbolizing a powerful restoration of faith and heritage.