Paris’ iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen its doors to the public on December 7, more than five years after a catastrophic fire in 2019 destroyed significant sections of the historic monument.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron commended the monumental efforts of over 1,000 craftspeople who contributed to the restoration, describing it as “the project of a century.
Speaking to a gathering of carpenters, stonemasons, art restorers, firefighters, and donors, Macron said, “Never before have we witnessed such an extraordinary construction site. Each of you played a vital role in this project of the century.”
Reflecting on the tragedy, he added, “The burning of Notre Dame was a national wound, and you became its remedy through determination, hard work, and commitment.”
The audience, which included members of the prestigious Compagnons du Devoir, a centuries-old guild of elite French craftsmen, erupted in applause as Macron concluded his speech with a heartfelt ‘thank you.’
The reopening of Notre-Dame marks a milestone in the preservation of French heritage and a testament to the skill and dedication of those who restored the beloved cathedral.