French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the renovation works at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris on Friday, ahead of its grand reopening on December 7, more than five years after a devastating fire severely damaged its roof and spire.
Notre-Dame, a medieval Gothic masterpiece, is one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. Known for its rib vaulting, flying buttresses, and intricate stained-glass windows, it began construction in 1163 and was completed over several centuries, with major additions in the 17th and 18th centuries. Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame immortalized the cathedral, which has appeared in numerous films, including a Disney animated adaptation.
The fire on April 15, 2019, shocked the world, engulfing the cathedral’s roof and spire, though the bell towers and façade were spared. The exact cause of the blaze remains uncertain, with speculation about an electrical fault or a cigarette.
The reopening ceremony on December 7 will feature a speech by Macron, followed by a symbolic knocking on the cathedral’s doors by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. A psalm will be sung, and the ancient organ will be blessed before the service begins. The next day, December 8, will mark the first Mass, starting a week of services dedicated to honoring donors and first responders. Limited public visits will be available on December 8, with long queues expected.
Also read: Namibia Holds Key Elections Amid Genocide Legacy, Drought, and Uranium Wealth
