Macron Calls Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration ‘Overwhelming’ as Reopening Nears
Notre-Dame Cathedral Set to Reopen After Five-Year Restoration Following Devastating Fire
Notre-Dame Cathedral will welcome Paris tourists and the Catholic faithful next week, marking its grand reopening five-and-a-half years after a devastating fire gutted the iconic Gothic landmark, one of France’s most treasured monuments.
President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to tour the newly restored cathedral on Friday morning. Bathed in the spectacular light of renewed stained-glass windows and surrounded by gleaming white stones, Macron expressed his awe.
“This is overwhelming,” Macron said during an extensive tour alongside his wife, Brigitte, and officials. He shook hands with many master craftsmen who contributed to the monumental restoration effort.
The reconstruction has meticulously restored the 12th-century cathedral’s spire, rib vaulting, flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, and iconic gargoyles, bringing them back to their former glory. The white stones and gold accents now shine brighter than ever.
Addressing an audience of carpenters, stonemasons, art restorers, firefighters, and donors, Macron praised their collective effort. “The burning of Notre-Dame was a national wound, and you were its remedy through determination, hard work, and commitment,” he said, calling it “the project of the century.”
The workers, including members of the elite “Compagnons du Devoir,” a centuries-old guild of skilled artisans, applauded enthusiastically at the conclusion of Macron’s speech.
From Devastation to Restoration
The cathedral’s fiery destruction on April 15, 2019, shocked the world. Millions watched in disbelief as the roof and spire collapsed, and firefighters battled through the night to save the remaining structure, including the iconic bell towers.
Over the past five years, thousands of expert craftspeople employed traditional techniques to restore damaged sections, ensuring the cathedral’s historical authenticity.
Stone carver Samir Abbas, 38, described the project as “exceptional” and expressed relief that it was completed on schedule.
Celebration and Future Prospects
An opening ceremony, with invited celebrities and heads of state, is set for December 7. This will be followed by special masses celebrating the cathedral’s reopening and honoring those who contributed to its restoration.
Donations for the project poured in from around the globe, totaling more than €840 million ($1.24 billion CAD), leaving surplus funds for future investments in the building.
The Catholic Church anticipates welcoming some 15 million visitors annually to the restored cathedral.
“We are eager to welcome the whole world under the roof of our cathedral,” said Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich in a message of gratitude to the global community.
For many Parisians, the reopening is a moment of joy and relief. Architect Sebastien Truchot called it a “universal symbol,” while bookseller Albert Abid, who witnessed the fire firsthand, expressed gratitude. “It’s a relief. Finally, Notre-Dame is restored,” he said.
The cathedral, a historic and cultural icon, stands once again as a testament to resilience and craftsmanship, ready to inspire millions.
