By Ingrid Melander and Ardee NAPOLITANO
PARIS (Reuters) – Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral reopened its doors on Saturday, five-and-a-half years after it was destroyed by a devastating fire that destroyed its vaults and roof and destroyed the entire Gothic masterpiece. It was brought within minutes of the collapse.
The 860-year-old medieval cathedral, an icon of both France and Paris, has been meticulously restored, with a new spire and rib vaulting, its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles returned to their former glory and The white stone and gold embellishments have become dazzling. than before
On the evening of April 15, 2019, Parisians who rushed to the scene and TV viewers around the world watched in horror as the cathedral’s spire and roof collapsed in a raging fire that threatened the main bell tower and the entire structure. C, with very few escapes from disaster.
“The planet shook that day,” French President Emmanuel Macron said before Saturday’s inauguration ceremony. “The shock of reopening – I believe and I want to believe – will be as strong as fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
Weakened by a deep political crisis at home, Macron will have a chance to forget those woes when he welcomes dozens of heads of state and government, including US President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The opening ceremony is set to begin at around 7 pm (1800 GMT).
Late Friday, Macron’s office and the Diocese of Paris said strong winds would force celebrations to be held entirely inside the cathedral. Macron was initially expected to give a speech outside.
“I’m afraid I’ll fall to the ground when I enter because it will be so emotional,” said choir member Cecilia de Vargas, who is slated to participate in the opening ceremony.
“Despite the terrible event that happened, there is a positive side, seeing how all the people, all the French people, tried to rebuild the cathedral with such speed.”
The restored cathedral is open to visitors
Thousands of skilled craftsmen – from wood carpenters and stonemasons to stained glass window artists – have spent the past five years using ancient methods to restore, repair or replace everything that was destroyed or damaged. C, worked.
Historian Damian Bernay said, “Notre-Dame is more than a Parisian or French monument. It is also a universal monument.”
“It’s a landmark, a symbol, a point of reference that reassures in a globalized world where everything evolves permanently,” said Bernay, a member of the Scientific Council for the Restoration of Notre-Dame.
The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in 1163, and construction continued for most of the next century, with major restorations and additions in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Victor Hugo helped make the cathedral a symbol of both Paris and France when he used it as a setting for his 1831 novel, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.” Quasimodo, the main character, is depicted in Hollywood films, an animated Disney (NYSE: ) in adaptation and music.
So much money poured into the renovations from around the world — more than 840 million euros ($882 million), according to Macron’s office — that there are still funds left for further investment in the building.
The Catholic Church now expects the cathedral to welcome around 15 million visitors each year.
If you’re lucky, you can visit on the evening of December 8th from 5:30pm to 8pm, but there is likely to be stiff competition – and long lines – to visit the cathedral at first.
The cathedral says that starting Saturday, visitors will be able to book a free ticket online, on its website, social media or a dedicated app, to visit the building on the same day of booking or a day or two later. There will also be a queue at the venue for those entering without booking.
The cathedral has also created an app to help with self-guided visits. Groups will have access only next year – from 1 February for religious groups or from 9 June for tourists with guides.
