France will unveil the new Notre-Dame Cathedral to the world as President Emmanuel Macron takes tour to celebrate its restoration, five-and-a-half years after the devastating fire of 2019.
The fire destroyed much of the roof and spire, but thanks to the efforts of thousands of artisans, the Gothic masterpiece has been carefully restored.
In a ceremony accompanied by his wife Brigitte and Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, Macron will showcase the €700 million renovation.
The interior, which has remained a closely guarded secret until now, promises to be awe-inspiring, with reports of a brighter, more magnificent space that highlights the cathedral's immaculate stonework.
Notre-Dame was severely damaged during the 2019 fire, with its wooden roof beams and iconic spire destroyed, though key artifacts, including stained-glass windows and the Crown of Thorns, were saved.
The fire caused global shock, but it sparked an outpouring of support for the cathedral's restoration, with over €846 million raised in donations.
The project, managed by a public body and led by General Jean-Louis Georgelin, has involved thousands of specialists and has revitalized traditional French craftsmanship, including stone-carving and roofing.
While the restoration stayed true to the cathedral's original design, some modern elements were integrated for safety, including sprinkler systems in the roof.
The final step of the renovation involves a decision over the stained-glass windows in the side chapels, with Macron proposing a modern design that has faced resistance from some in the French arts community.
The official reopening will occur on December 7, with a Catholic Mass the following day, but Fridays televised event marks a significant milestone in a project that has become a symbol of national unity and perseverance.
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