Notre Dame Cathedral
The reopening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral took place on Saturday, marking the end of five years of meticulous restoration following the devastating fire that brought the 860-year-old historic landmark close to collapse in 2019.
During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, struck the cathedral’s doors three times with his crozier, followed by the singing of a psalm inside the iconic structure.
The event was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed notable figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, and British Prince William, for this historic occasion.
In his remarks, Macron declared, “Here we are. The whole world is watching us. Let’s reopen Notre Dame,” emphasizing the symbolic significance of the moment. This event comes at a time of political turmoil for Macron, who is navigating challenges at home following the ousting of his prime minister by parliament.
Trump’s presence at the event and his meeting with Zelensky at the Elysee Palace prior to the ceremony added further weight to the occasion. Also attending were Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and former French Presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Thousands of people gathered to celebrate the reopening, as final preparations were made. Although the cathedral had yet to allow visitors inside on Saturday, many tourists captured pictures of the restored building from its exterior.
Amanda Nguyen, a 26-year-old American tourist from Texas, expressed her awe: “It was very sad to see it burnt down and all black and ashy but amazing to see it rebuilt. Yeah, it’s very special.”
For Parisians like Pascal Tordeux, the reopening carried an even deeper emotional resonance. Tordeux displayed a tattoo representing Notre Dame and shared his personal journey: “I saw the construction every day from my window, the spire being brought down, being brought back. I saw it burn, I saw it rise again.”
The restoration efforts included a diverse group of artisans, including carpenters, stonemasons, and stained-glass window artists, who worked relentlessly for five years using age-old techniques to repair the damage.
According to President Macron’s office, over 840 million euros ($880 million) were raised worldwide for the restoration, and there remains funding for future projects.
The cathedral’s reopening also signals optimism and hope. Macron stated, “The shock of the reopening will — I believe and want to believe — be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
Notre Dame has historically served as both a symbol of Paris and France and a universal landmark that offers reassurance in a changing world.
The first stone of Notre Dame was laid in 1163, and much of its current structure was built over the course of centuries with renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries.
It gained worldwide recognition in Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which cemented its status as a symbol of French cultural heritage.
With 15 million visitors expected annually, the reopening marks a significant moment for Paris and the global community. Visitors can now book free tickets online to experience the cathedral, although all first-day bookings were fully reserved upon the initial announcement.
Group tours for both religious and historical visitors are expected to start in 2024. This reopening represents not just a physical restoration but a renewal of cultural pride and history for generations to come.
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