France proudly showcased the beautifully restored interior of Notre Dame cathedral, just over a week before the 850-year-old medieval structure will reopen following meticulous restoration after the catastrophic fire in 2019, reports RTE.
President Emmanuel Macron inspected the restoration, which was broadcast live, stating that the workers had accomplished the “impossible” by healing a “national wound” caused by the fire on April 19, 2019.
While significant efforts were made to preserve the cathedral’s original appearance, an international group of designers and architects has created a vibrant space that makes a striking impression on visitors, reports RTE.
The shimmering floor and the recently cleaned walls captivate, while a careful blend of natural and artificial lighting creates an almost theatrical ambiance.
“You have achieved what many thought was unattainable,” Mr. Macron told the restoration teams and officials who filled Notre Dame after touring the cathedral.
“The fire at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you have been the remedy through your determination, labor, and dedication,” he stated, also mentioning that the reopening of the cathedral would represent a “shock of hope,” reports RTE.
“This is an immense source of pride for the whole nation,” Mr. Macron remarked, expressing his hope that the spirit of “fraternity” would last.
On the weekend of December 7-8, Notre Dame will reopen to visitors and worshippers after a sometimes difficult restoration aimed at restoring the magnificent Paris cathedral to its prior splendor after it suffered severe damage in the 2019 fire.
World leaders are expected to be in attendance, though the guest list has yet to be disclosed, reports RTE.
The French president hopes that the reopening of Notre Dame will be a significant achievement for him amid the ongoing political stalemate following the early parliamentary elections this summer.
“Sublime,” said a visibly thrilled Mr. Macron, who was joined by Paris’ archbishop Laurent Ulrich, the culture minister, the mayor of Paris, and other officials.
“It feels much more inviting,” he remarked, commending the pale-colored stones of Notre Dame and stating that everyone involved in the reconstruction should take pride in their work, reports RTE.
‘Insane challenge’
Following the tragic fire, Mr. Macron established an ambitious goal to rebuild Notre Dame within five years and to make it “even more beautiful” than it was previously, a target that French authorities claim has been achieved.
The “building site of the century” presented a “challenge that many deemed insane,” according to Mr. Macron.
Approximately 250 companies and hundreds of specialists were engaged in the restorative efforts, which cost hundreds of millions of euros, reports RTE.
All 2,000 individuals who played a role in this endeavor were invited to Friday’s event.
The total cost of the restoration reached nearly €700 million.
This was funded by the 846 million euros in donations from 150 countries, marking an extraordinary display of international solidarity, reports RTE.
The 19th-century gothic spire has been rebuilt with an exact replica of the original, the stained-glass windows have regained their vibrancy, the walls are gleaming after the removal of fire stains, and the restored organ is prepared to sound once more.
Unseen by visitors is a new system designed to safeguard against future fires, featuring a discreet network of pipes ready to release millions of water droplets in the event of another disaster, reports RTE.
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