PARIS — Five and a half years after a fire devastated Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most iconic symbols of Paris and France, the 860-year-old Gothic masterpiece will reopen to the public on Saturday, its spire, roof, and intricate stonework restored to their former glory.
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in shock as flames engulfed the cathedral, destroying its roof and spire and threatening its structural integrity. Now, following a meticulous restoration effort involving thousands of craftspeople, the landmark once again stands as a testament to France’s cultural and historical resilience.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking ahead of Saturday’s reopening ceremony, called the occasion a moment of renewal. “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,” he said.
The event, which will include a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, will be attended by heads of state and dignitaries, including Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Heavy winds have moved parts of the ceremony indoors, according to officials.
A Masterpiece Restored
The restoration of Notre-Dame has been hailed as a triumph of traditional craftsmanship. Carpenters, stonemasons, and stained-glass artists used age-old techniques to restore the cathedral’s famed rib vaulting, flying buttresses, and gargoyles. The white stone and gold detailing now gleam brighter than ever.
“Notre-Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument. It’s a universal symbol,” said Damien Berne, a historian and member of the cathedral’s restoration council. “In a world of constant change, it is a reassuring landmark.”
Victor Hugo immortalized the cathedral in his 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, making it a symbol of French heritage. The tragic fire only deepened its resonance for millions.
Global Support
Donations poured in from around the world after the fire, totaling more than 840 million euros ($882 million). Macron’s office confirmed that funds remain for additional projects at the site.
The Catholic Church expects Notre-Dame to draw 15 million visitors annually, rivaling its pre-fire popularity. Visitors will be able to book free tickets online starting Saturday, though high demand and long lines are expected in the initial weeks.
For many, the reopening represents a moment of profound emotion. “I’m afraid I’ll fall to the ground when I enter because it will be very emotional,” said Cecilia De Vargas, a choir member participating in the opening ceremony.
Despite the tragedy of the fire, De Vargas emphasized the unifying spirit of the restoration effort. “All the people, all the French, worked together to rebuild the cathedral with such speed,” she said.
With its renewed spire soaring above the Parisian skyline, Notre-Dame reclaims its place as a symbol of endurance, faith, and artistic achievement.
