Notre-Dame Cathedral to Reopen December 8 After €700 Million Restoration Completed in Five Years

Nov 29, 2024, 11:08 AM

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on December 8, following a €700 million restoration completed in the promised five years after the devastating fire of April 2019. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the restored cathedral on November 29, praising the work of over 2,000 artisans and craftsmen who helped rebuild the historic landmark. The restoration included the reconstruction of the wooden framework using medieval techniques, restoring the spire and roof to their original state. Macron honored the late General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who supervised the reconstruction until his death in 2023, stating that "the shock of the reopening will be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope." The cathedral's restored interior, featuring cleaned stone walls and refurbished stained-glass windows, was unveiled to the public for the first time, showcasing the renewed splendor of the cathedral. The reopening will include ceremonies starting on December 7, including a televised tour by President Macron and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, with the first mass scheduled for December 8.