Five years ago, the world watched in horror as the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris burned and its iconic spire toppled in the wake of a devastating fire. Last weekend, the world watched in awe as its long-awaited reopening revealed its “sublime” restoration, initially revealed in a televised tour for French President Emanuel Macron.
The UNESCO world heritage site underwent an intense restoration and renovation, costing an estimated €700 million, that not only rebuilt the parts of the cathedral damaged in the fire, but also peeled back years of accumulated dirt from its now-glistening Gothic stones.
The 2019 fire had caused the cathedral’s 315-foot spire to collapse through the roof, while the 13th-century wooden lattice structure, named ‘the forest’, positioned right under the roof was completely destroyed.
It took more than 2,000 days and approximately 2,000 workers to breathe life back into Notre Dame in time for its grand reopening, which Pope Francis described in a message as a moment of “joy, celebration, and praise.”
Take a look inside the restored jewel, home to countless precious artworks, artefacts and sculptures that can now be enjoyed anew.
The newly-restored nave supported by 28 flying buttresses.
A sculpture of Marie-Dominique-Auguste Sibour, Archbishop of Paris from 1848 to 1857, against the backdrop of stunning stained glass windows.
A new reliquary designed by French artist Sylvain Dubuisson houses the Crown of Thorns, considered one of the most prestigious relics inside the cathedral which was saved by firefighters in 2019.
The carved wooden choir stalls are adorned with bas-reliefs, with the high backs illustrating the life of the Virgin.
A snapshot of the facade of Notre Dame and its detailed bas-reliefs.
Following the destruction of the altar during the fire, the dioceses of Paris called on French artist Guillaume Bardet to design and create a new set of liturgical pieces, including the altar, ambo and tabernacle.
Main image: Patrick Zachmann / Foundation Notre Dame
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