Notre Dame de Paris, the cathedral considered an architectural masterpiece and one with steeped historical significance, is all set to re-open for visitors five years after the devastating fire that severely damaged the structure. The cathedral where Napoleon The Great was crowned Emperor of France will reopen on Sunday (December 8) in a grand ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and global dignitaries like US President-elect Donald Trump, UK's Prince William and others.
After the fire engulfed the Notre Dame and its iconic spire on April 15, 2019, the cathedral underwent meticulous restoration process over the years.
The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral had a deep impact. | REUTERS
When Notre Dame was gutted, Macron addressed the nation and pledged to restore the cathedral within five years. President Macron made a final visit to the restored cathedral on November 29 to inspect the final preparations.
An official press release about the re-opening event said that the restoration project had three aims: To make Notre Dame and its surrounding area more beautiful, adapt the site and its neighbourhood to climate change, and enhance the reception and experience of visitors from around the world, according to an official press release. It intends to make Notre-Dame's surrounding area a "large canopy".
Macron issue a statement about the restoration as well.
"This once-in-a-century project has been conducted in extraordinary conditions. It required a collaboration of France's best experts and specialists. It was a challenge many deemed impossible, yet one we will have met on December 7," said the statement.
"For five years, behind the cathedral, in the silence of the "forest", across France, men and women have been working, following in the footsteps of their ancestors. This final visit of the construction site is an opportunity to extend a special thanks to them whether they be artisans working with wood, metal and stone, scaffolding workers, roofers, bell artisans, art restorers, gold gilders, masons, sculptors, carpenters, organ builders, architects, archaeologists, engineers or logistical and administrative planners, as all specialists from so many fields have contributed to this collective feat," Macron added.
