Notre Dame Cathedral has undergone a remarkable transformation and is set to reopen five years after a devastating fire destroyed its interior and roof.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled the restored landmark, showcasing its now bright and pristine sanctuary.
The restoration process included cleaning and vacuuming 42,000 square meters of stonework to remove toxic dust from the melted lead roof. Techniques like latex peeling and gel application were used to extract dirt from the limestone and painted surfaces, revealing vibrant colors hidden for centuries.
Journalist Melissa Bell described the interior as “light and bright,” a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere before the fire.
The reconstruction involved traditional methods, with massive oak beams from 2,000 hand-hewn trees used to rebuild the roof and spires.
Stonemason Adrien Willeme expressed awe at the meticulous restoration, likening the cathedral’s appearance to being newly constructed despite its ancient history.
Macron praised the workers for their efforts, calling the achievement a source of immense national pride.
Before the blaze on April 15, 2019, Notre Dame attracted millions of visitors annually. The fire, which occurred during restoration work, took 600 firefighters 15 hours to extinguish. Although no injuries were reported, the damage was extensive.
The reconstruction, initially estimated at 700 million euros, raised 846 million euros from global donors, with excess funds allocated for the cathedral’s future needs.
While the public reopening is set for December, President Macron will host a ceremony on December 7, followed by a Mass to consecrate the new altar on December 8.
