The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen to the public next week, five-and-a-half years after a devastating fire destroyed parts of the iconic Gothic structure, Reuters reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron toured the newly renovated cathedral on Friday, admiring the restored windows and clean white stone. The major reconstruction, which restored the cathedral’s spire, stained-glass windows, and stone carvings, was completed by more than 1,300 craftsmen. The renovation project, which began after the 2019 fire, raised over €840 million ($882 million) in global donations.
The reopening ceremony is set for December 7, with a special Mass and celebrations to thank those who contributed to the restoration. The Catholic Church expects the cathedral to attract around 15 million visitors annually and Parisians expressed relief and pride at the return of the cathedral, seen as a symbol of French heritage.
