Paris prepares for Notre Dame Cathedral's grand reveal as iconic spire frees itself from the embrace of scaffolding
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris revealed glimpses of its restored glory after a catastrophic fire devastated its splendor in April 2019.
The ongoing reconstruction project reaches a crucial point as Paris eagerly awaits its grand reopening on December 8.
As the last pieces of scaffolding are carefully dismantled, the exterior of the cathedral is gradually revealed, giving viewers a glimpse of the meticulous restoration efforts. The newly installed golden rooster, symbolizing a phoenix rising from the ashes, now adorns the top of the spire, a powerful emblem of Notre Dame's triumphant resurrection.
Local resident Frederico Benani, whose window overlooks the cathedral, expressed the emotional impact of witnessing the rebirth of Notre Dame. “It's a lot better than before. It gives us hope,” he shared, summing up the sentiments echoed throughout the city.
The restoration extends beyond the visible exterior, with a state-of-the-art fire misting system installed beneath the cathedral roof, a proactive measure to safeguard this architectural gem against future calamities. Additionally, efforts to recreate the original cross underscore the meticulous attention paid to preserving Notre Dame's historic identity.
As the city hosts the Olympic Games in July, the cathedral will not open its doors to the public during the Summer Games. The external transformation promises to be a beacon of beauty, visible to the millions of people who will flock to the French capital.
The journey from devastation to reconstruction has been a collaborative effort involving skilled craftsmen, engineers and architects.
In the words of those responsible for the project, the remaining process, although time-consuming, is crucial to ensure the structural integrity and eternal beauty of this iconic cathedral.
