Notre lady: reopening of Paris Gothic masterpiece

Notre lady: reopening of Paris Gothic masterpiece

five years after the devastating fire, which almost destroyed the cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris was reopened on Saturday with a two -hour ceremony in the newly renovated interior of the famous cathedral.

global dignitaries celebrate the reopening

Among the numerous global leaders and dignitaries who took part in the celebration were, among other things, the future US President Donald Trump, the current US first Lady Jill Biden, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, and Prince William of Great Britain. Together with the French President Emmanuel Macron, they all took part in this occasion that combined Catholic tradition with a touch of history and politics.

Special honor for the Ukrainian President

Ukraine's President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, who was present at short notice and was previously received by Macron and Trump in the Élysée Palace, received a standing applause. Around 170 bishops from all over the world and priests from the 106 parishes of the diocese of Paris were also involved in the celebrations. Pope Francis was not present, but sent a message in which he described the reopening of the cathedral as a moment of "joy, celebration and praise".

storm forced the ceremony

The bad weather forced the organizers to move the beginning of the service, which was originally supposed to take place in the newly designed atrium of the cathedral. There you were protected from the rain and the storm with almost 65 km/h. For the hundreds of people, the main attraction was not only right in front of them, but also around them. It was her first look inside the estimated UNESCO World Heritage Site after a restoration of around 700 million euros ($ 739 million). Centuries -old dirt was removed and the cathedral shines in new splendor.

a moment of joy and pride

"The world will rediscover this cathedral, which has been rebuilt and embellished," said Macron. "Tonight we can share joy and pride together." In the midst of a political crisis, the French President tried to draw global attention to his country, to present France's gentle power and at the same time promote pride and patriotism in Germany, as during the Olympic Games in Paris.

historical memories and challenges

"We have rediscovered what great nations can do: achieve the impossible," added Macron of the more than 2000-member assembly. "The cathedral became a nice metaphor for what a nation is and what the world should be." And so the rainy and windy Paris felt again as under a lock. The French authorities had mobilized an additional 6000 security forces for the event and the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine, on the emergency lady, closed to all residents, police and participants.

The solemn beginning of the ceremony

The ceremony began with the ringing of the bells of Notre Dame, who are in the tower of the cathedral, where the crippled bell was quasimodo in Victor Hugo's novel from 1831. Dozens of bishops gathered outside, their white robes fluttered in the wind when the Archbishop Laurent Ulrich pounded on the closed door of the cathedral with his scepter to officially mark the reopening.

insight into the impressive restoration

The audience saw the floodlight radiators, which shone through the rain and formed the innovative backdrop for the spiritual leader of Notre Dame, who led his clergymen for the first time since the fire on April 15, 2019, which was caused by an accident. When about 600 firefighters knocked the last flames, a large part of Notre Dame, a jewel of the Gothic architecture, was in ruins. The 96 meter high tower, which adorned the Paris skyline since 1859, had broken through the leading roof.

collaboration for a historical promise

Macron had promised to rebuild the cathedral within five years - an ambitious period that some experts considered unrealistic. But after a Herculean effort of over 2000 days, in which more than 2000 workers were involved, "our dear wife of Paris" was ready to receive the visitors before the end of 2024.

The world received a first look inside November 29 when cameras Macron followed, who visited the construction site for the seventh and last time. There he met various craftsmen and expressed his thanks to the more than 1000 artisans present who helped him.

honor of the fire brigade and festive celebrations

The organizers used the ceremony on Saturday to thank many of the firefighters who had helped with the fire. Dozens of the cathedral were led by the main ship, while the guests applauded. Later the large organ of the cathedral - the largest instrument in France with 8000 whistles and five keyboard - was played again.

outlook on future measurements

After the ceremony, Macron invited around 50 heads of state and government to a dinner in the Élysée Palace. While the events on Saturday marked the official reopening of Notre Dame, the first trade fair will take place on Sunday morning. On eight consecutive days, trade fairs are celebrated twice a day, accompanied by special evening ceremonies. Many of these events are public, but may require a prior reservation.