The radiant return: Notre-Dame is officially opened after five years!

The radiant return: Notre-Dame is officially opened after five years!

Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged after the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, will reopen with a grandiose ceremony on Saturday, December 9, 2024. President Macron is expecting at least 35 heads of state and government, including Karl Nehammer, the Austrian Chancellor. A message from Pope Francis is planned for the festive evening, which will be read out during the service. A highlight of the event will be the consecration of the organ by the Archbishop and the performance of the traditional songs Magnificat and Te Deum. However, due to severe weather warnings, the planned outdoor ceremony is canceled, as the crown reported.

Reopening and impressive renovation

The building, which was severely damaged by the fire, is now barely recognizable. Thanks to generous donations totaling 846 million euros, the cathedral can look back on an excellent renovation. The entire roof structure is new, and the crossing tower, which collapsed in the flames, has also been repaired. According to renowned star pianist Lang Lang, who played inside the cathedral, the result is breathtaking. He described the atmosphere as “majestic” and noted that the now brighter colors and bright stained glass windows left an unforgettable impression. “It really was a dream,” Lang said.

The comprehensive renovation has revolutionized not only the structure but also the appearance of the cathedral. The freshly cleaned walls and the brilliant light streaming through the new windows give Notre-Dame a new shine that will captivate visitors worldwide, it is reported Northern Bavaria.