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Notre-Dame to Reopen 5 Years After Devastating Fire

Harry November 15, 2024

Notre-Dame Cathedral will soon rise from the ashes.

More than five years after a fire nearly destroyed the famous monument in Paris, Notre-Dame will finally open its doors to the public next month. New York Times reported. The Gothic-style landmark was set on fire in April 2019, with flames emanating from the wooden roof and tower. A worldwide ceremony will be broadcast to commemorate the great rebirth on December 7, with a public ceremony scheduled for the following day.

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“We will regain the focus of our life as a church,” Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich said at a news conference. The 12th-century monument is estimated to attract 14 to 15 million visitors a year when it reopens. Before the ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron will give a short speech in front of the historical building accompanied by a concert. The next day Macron will attend a meeting special bulk service with about 170 bishops. However, it should be noted that Pope Francis will not attend the ceremony.

More than 300,000 donors since the fire stepped in to help Approximately 900 million dollars were donated along with the restoration work. Later, the stained glass windows and roof of the 860-year-old cathedral were repaired with the efforts of approximately 2 thousand workers and local artisans. While most of the process has been completed, about three years and $150 million worth of work still needs to be done, mainly on the exterior and its many flying buttresses. During his time in office, President Macron had promised to rebuild the cathedral by 2025.

“The challenge of rebuilding in five years has been successfully met,” added Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, rector of Notre-Dame. “It shows that in this time of doubt and questioning, if we unite around a common goal, we can achieve the impossible.”

Just last week, the voice of Notre-Dame eight bells rang It signals a reopening in the City of Light for the first time since 2019. Three new bells were also installed, including the one that rang at the Paris Olympic Games this summer. If you’re planning to visit, the cathedral will be open until 10 p.m. for now and plans to implement a free online reservation system and a guided smartphone app. Although individual visitors are welcome, group tours will not be allowed until spring 2025.

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