France celebrates the radiant return of Notre-Dame!

France celebrates the radiant return of Notre-Dame!

Five years after the devastating fire of April 15, 2019, the world-famous cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris is about to open it. The cathedral is to be officially reopened on December 7, 2024, but President Emmanuel Macron will be present at an exclusive event next Saturday, such as kathpress reported. Around 3,000 invited guests, including heads of state and prominent personalities, are expected. Macron himself will give a speech on the forecourt of the cathedral, since the buildings in France are owned by the state and therefore a separation of church and state must be maintained. After the speech, a great religious celebration takes place, while the organ, which is elaborately restored after the fire.

astonishing restoration

The work on the emergency lady lasted over five years and cost a total of around 700 million euros, financed by 340,000 donors from 150 countries, such as fr.de reported. The cathedral was completely reconstructed, with 42,000 square meters of natural stone being freed from nasty and soot from centuries. Today she shines in new light and gives the impression of modern elegance, while the historical elements have been preserved. Particularly noteworthy are the new minimalist altars and the baptismal font that give the interior a contemporary note.

Macron praised the commitment of the craftsmen and experts who were involved in this huge project: "They made it possible," he said during his visit to the cathedral. While France is heading for the festive moment of reopening, the politics of the country faces challenges, including the vote of no confidence against the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Nevertheless, the focus is on the cathedral and the celebrations associated with the motto of a "shock of hope" until the weekend.