A fire ravaged Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on April 15, 2019, leaving it unrecognizable. However, the scaffolding and tarps have been removed, revealing a new gold-plated rooster shining in the spring sun. The historic city center of Paris has regained its familiar silhouette, captured in countless pictures.
French television reports have shown a construction site that was declared a national symbol by Emmanuel Macron almost five years ago. The fire at Notre-Dame served as a reminder that the French people are a nation of builders who are resilient in the face of adversity. The reconstruction efforts have been significant, with President Macron setting an ambitious goal to rebuild within five years.
The Gothic church building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered significant damage during the fire, with the roof structure and vault collapsing. The collapse of the crossing tower, which was almost 100 meters high, was a devastating sight. The unity that emerged among French citizens to support the rebuilding efforts was unprecedented, with nearly a billion euros raised in donations.
Despite initial debates on how the cathedral should be rebuilt, President Macron ultimately supported a reconstruction in the former style of the building. The renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to be unveiled without construction site cladding during the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, with the interior planned for ceremonial reopening by the beginning of December.
Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve has expressed surprise at the transformation of the building during the reconstruction process. The building now shines in new splendor, with restored leaded glass windows, murals, oak panels, and statues looking fresh and rejuvenated. The rebuilding efforts have not only restored the physical structure of the cathedral but have also brought new life and hope to a cherished monument.
The reconstruction efforts at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral serve as a testament to France’s resilience and determination to preserve its cultural heritage for future generations.
