After more than five years of intense reconstruction work, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has unveiled its newly renovated interior following the devastating fire in 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the iconic cathedral, showcasing the rebuilt ceilings and pristine stonework to the public for the first time.
The cathedral, which attracted millions of visitors annually before the fire, had been closed off to the public during the reconstruction period. The interior now boasts repaired ceilings, cleaned limestone walls, and restored stained glass windows that shine brightly in the sunlight.
Stonemasons meticulously pieced together new stonework to fill the gaps left by the fire, while powerful vacuum cleaners were used to remove toxic dust from the lead roofs. Cleaning gels were also applied to painted walls, revealing their original vibrant colors. Carpenters worked by hand to rebuild the roof and spire using giant oak beams, creating a structure dubbed “the forest.”
Macron praised the workers for their efforts, calling the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral the “building site of the century.” He expressed hope that the reopening of the cathedral would bring a sense of renewal and healing to the nation after the tragic fire.
The cathedral is set to reopen to the public on December 8, allowing visitors to experience the restored beauty of this 12th-century Gothic masterpiece. Macron will return to deliver another address and attend the consecration of the new altar during a solemn Mass the following day.
The painstaking restoration work and attention to detail have revived Notre Dame Cathedral, giving it a renewed sense of grandeur and elegance. The reopening of this historic landmark is sure to be a momentous occasion, symbolizing resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
