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.
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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
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