The iconic Notre Dame cathedral rises from the ashes after a monumental reconstruction and restoration process. Notre Dame Cathedral has officially reopened on December 7, 2024, five years after a devastating fire nearly destroyed the Gothic masterpiece.
The grand restoration, completed in record time, marked a triumphant moment for French President Emmanuel Macron, who had pushed for the ambitious timeline. The ceremony was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including heads of state, royal figures, and other global leaders.
Among the guests were US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, First Lady Jill Biden, and Prince William of the British royal family. The reopening comes as a moment of relief for Macron, who has faced political turmoil following his government’s recent collapse.
Dramatic three knocks and bell Emmanuel
Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich began the ceremony by knocking three times on the cathedral’s door with his staff which was made from one of the burned beams of the cathedral’s roof.
The five-year restoration involved over 2,000 workers from 250 companies. The project encompassed not only structural repair but also the artistic restoration of murals and the creation of new liturgical furnishings. The reopening ceremony itself was a blend of Catholic tradition and French national pride, highlighting the scale of the undertaking and the collaborative effort that brought the iconic cathedral back to life.
Notre Dame has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
Standing ovation for Paris fire fighters
Paris firefighters dressed in their uniforms received a standing ovation and thunderous applause at the re-opening of Notre Dame cathedral on Saturday in recognition of their efforts in saving the landmark during a devastating blaze in 2019.
The word “Merci” (“Thank you”) was projected on the facade of the 12th-century landmark as the firefighters walked through the congregation of guess, builders and art restorers who took part in the five-year reconstruction effort.
Notre Dame Reborn
Notre Dame, older than France itself, began construction in 1163. Cathedral’s first stone was laid in 1163 by Bishop Maurice de Sully in the presence of Pope Alexander III.
Over nearly a century, it became a crucible for Gothic architectural innovation, featuring iconic rose windows and 28 massive flying buttresses to support its soaring height.
The cathedral’s history has always been marked by a tension between preservation and progress. By the 19th century, it was in serious disrepair, prompting Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel “Notre-Dame de Paris”, which mobilized public sentiment and renewed attention to its preservation.
After a cleaning in the 1990s, Notre Dame underwent no significant restoration for over 150 years. By 2018, the French government launched a major renovation, but on April 15, 2019, disaster struck—a devastating fire ravaged the roof and spire, causing extensive damage to the interior.
Now after persistence and the ongoing restoration efforts, Notre Dame officially reopened on December 7, 2024, with a liturgical ceremony.
Experience the captivating story of Notre-Dame Cathedral: