One of the most ancient and iconic symbols of Paris is preparing for its revival, Bloomberg reports.
The fire that destroyed part of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on the evening of April 15, 2019, shocked France and captured the attention of the world community. The grandiose restoration project of the Gothic cathedral was estimated at almost $900 million. Despite a series of difficulties, the project is nearing completion – the cathedral is scheduled to open on December 8, 2024.
By the end of this year, if all goes according to plan, one of the most important parts of the cathedral will be completed: a massive wooden beam structure is planned to be installed to restore its tall bell tower. The restoration project of one of the most important centers of Catholicism in France combines both modern and medieval building methods.
“We are now confident that we can finish on time,” says Philippe Jost, the new director of the Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris organization in charge of the project. “But we know that problems may arise. It is a daily struggle.”
The restoration of the cathedral was not without difficulties. From the very beginning, there were strong objections from architects, major philanthropists, and legislators to Macron’s idea of creating a modern design for the new spire. He was forced to retreat, and work is currently underway to restore an exact copy of the 1859 version created by Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.
The internal restoration will not be completed in time for the Olympic Games in Paris, but visitors will see the monument shining along the Seine. The temple will become accessible to the public and will open fully in December 2024.