The five-year restoration of Paris’s Notre Dame after a devastating fire in 2019 is set to be a symbol of hope for the world, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. In a televised walking tour of the cathedral with his wife Brigitte and the archbishop of Paris, Macron marveled at the craftsmanship and dedication that had gone into the rebuilding effort.
Inside the cathedral, Macron admired the intricate sculptures, the famous rose windows, and the timber spire that had been painstakingly reconstructed using ancient carpentry techniques. He thanked the 1,300 craftspeople who had worked tirelessly on the restoration project, as well as the firefighters who had saved the cathedral during the fire.
The fire in April 2019 destroyed much of the cathedral’s roof and spire, but Macron had promised it would be restored to its former glory within five years. Thanks to millions in donations and the efforts of hundreds of artisans, that promise has been kept. The total cost of the restoration is expected to be around €700m.
The cathedral is set to reopen to the public on December 7, with visitor numbers expected to soar. While entry will remain free, visitors will need to book a dedicated time slot through an online ticketing system. Macron expressed his pride in the restoration efforts with the phrase “Nous y sommes” (here we are), emphasizing the resilience and determination that had gone into rebuilding Notre Dame.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
