Paris: Paris’ iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral welcomes visitors once more on Saturday, five-and-a-half years after a catastrophic fire destroyed its spire, roof, and parts of its ribbed vaults. The restoration of the 860-year-old Gothic masterpiece has returned it to its former glory, complete with a new spire, intricately carved gargoyles, and gleaming white stone accented with gold.
The fire, which broke out on April 15, 2019, shocked the world as flames engulfed the cathedral, causing its spire and roof to collapse. The structure was perilously close to destruction. “The planet was shaken on that day,” French President Emmanuel Macron reflected. Speaking ahead of the reopening, he expressed optimism: “The shock of the reopening will— I believe and I want to believe—be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
Lavish Reopening Ceremony
Macron is set to preside over the grand reopening ceremony, joined by dignitaries, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Due to heavy winds, all events will be held inside the cathedral, altering initial plans for an outdoor address by Macron.
Choir member Cecilia De Vargas, participating in the event, said, “I’m afraid I’ll fall to the ground when I enter because it will be very emotional.” She added, “Despite the horrible thing that happened, there’s a positive side—seeing how all the people, all the French people sought to rebuild the cathedral with such speed.”
A Global Effort Restores a Global Monument
The extensive restoration involved thousands of experts, from carpenters to stained-glass artists, employing traditional techniques to restore or replace damaged elements. “Notre-Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument. It’s also a universal monument,” historian Damien Berne noted.
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The project drew global support, raising over 840 million euros ($882 million), with surplus funds reserved for further investments. The cathedral, a symbol of French heritage immortalized in Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, is expected to attract 15 million annual visitors.
Access to the Reopened Cathedral
Visitors can book free tickets online via the cathedral’s website, social media, or a dedicated app. Walk-ins will also be accommodated through a separate queue. Guided group visits will begin next year, with religious groups gaining access from February and tourists from June.
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Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reopening signifies not only the restoration of a cherished monument but also a testament to resilience and international cooperation.
