Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens Saturday after five years of meticulous restoration, symbolizing hope and resilience following the devastating 2019 fire.
The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen its doors this Saturday, marking five-and-a-half years since the catastrophic fire that destroyed its spire and roof, bringing the historic Gothic structure to the brink of collapse. The restoration has revived the 860-year-old masterpiece, with its intricate carvings, soaring spire, and golden decorations restored to their former brilliance.
French President Emmanuel Macron, along with dignitaries including U
.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Britain's Prince William, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, will attend the reopening ceremony. Strong winds have moved the event inside the cathedral, where Parisians and global viewers will celebrate the symbolic revival of the cherished landmark.
Macron, reflecting on the fire, stated:
"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."
The monumental restoration effort brought together thousands of skilled craftspeople, from carpenters to stained glass artists, who used traditional methods to restore the cathedral. Over €840 million ($882 million) in donations poured in from around the world, funding the project and leaving surplus resources for future preservation.
Historian Damien Berne described Notre-Dame as a universal symbol, saying:
"It’s a landmark, an emblem, a point of reference that reassures in a globalized world where everything evolves permanently."
Reopening Details
Starting Saturday, visitors can book free tickets online or on-site for same-day or next-day visits. Group tours will resume in 2024, with religious groups allowed from February 1 and guided tourist visits from June 9.
With an expected 15 million visitors annually, Notre-Dame is set to reclaim its place as one of the world’s most visited landmarks, a beacon of resilience and cultural heritage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he held a productive meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with talks f...
The diplomatic dispute over France's overseas territories is widening, with pro-independence leaders in the Caribbean and the Pacific rejecting claims...
Yemen warned the Houthis were seeking to replicate Iran's Strait of Hormuz strategy in the Red Sea, as U.S. President Donald Trump said there was a "g...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that there is a good chance” of reaching a deal with Iran, but warned that Washington would resume military operation if negotiations fail.
Iran will halt its own attacks as long as the United States maintains its pause on strikes, but Tehran remains sceptical of U.S. intentions, a senior Iranian source told on Sunday.
The Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly reshaping the Caspian region. From threats to energy infrastructure to renewed diplomatic efforts, countries across the region are adapting to the wider consequences of a conflict that continues to disrupt trade, transport and security.
Yemen warned the Houthis were seeking to replicate Iran's Strait of Hormuz strategy in the Red Sea, as U.S. President Donald Trump said there was a "good chance" of a deal with Tehran but warned strikes could resume if talks failed.
A New York school district has put plans to introduce a humanoid robot into classrooms on hold after fierce criticism from teachers, Indigenous community members and state education officials over the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
A Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday that indie pop singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, must stand trial on charges that he fatally stabbed and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Marvel Studios used its return to San Diego Comic-Con to reveal several major projects, including a new Ghost Rider film starring Ryan Gosling and the long-awaited Black Panther 3.
U.S. singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty on Friday to affray over a 2023 incident at a London nightclub after prosecutors dropped more serious assault charges. Brown and his co-defendant admitted using or threatening unlawful violence during the altercation.
Türkiye and Syria have signed an agreement allowing Yunus Emre cultural centres to resume operations in Syria, focusing on Turkish-language education and cultural programmes designed to strengthen ties between the two countries.
The 2026 Venice Film Festival has unveiled a programme with a stronger focus on independent and auteur-driven cinema, featuring fewer films from major Hollywood studios than in recent years. Despite that, organisers expect another star-studded edition when the festival runs from 2 to 12 September.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment