di Michael Scurry
Paris’s iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors, marking a significant milestone in its recovery from the devastating 2019 fire.
After a five-year restoration, Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral has officially reopened, symbolizing resilience and renewal following the catastrophic fire in April 2019. The reopening ceremony, held on December 7, 2024, was attended by dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Britain’s Prince William.
The ceremony began with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris performing the traditional ritual of knocking three times on the cathedral’s doors with a specially crafted crosier, signifying the restoration of life to the historic monument. Despite strong winds necessitating the relocation of the event indoors, the ceremony featured choral performances, the resumption of the cathedral’s grand organ, and striking illuminations.
The restoration, completed in just five years at a cost of nearly $1 billion, is considered a remarkable achievement. President Macron expressed gratitude to those involved in the restoration, highlighting the cathedral’s role in fostering national unity during challenging times.
The reopening festivities attracted over 1,500 guests, including more than 50 world leaders. Notable attendees included actress Salma Hayek and her husband, François-Henri Pinault, who donated over $113 million toward the restoration.
The cathedral will host daily masses for eight days following the reopening and will remain open to the public indefinitely, free of charge.
The reopening of Notre-Dame stands as a testament to global collaboration and dedication, restoring a cherished symbol of cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
L’articolo Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens After Five-Year Restoration proviene da Associated Medias.
