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Notre Dame Cathedral unveils new interior 5 years after devastating fire

notre-dame-cathedral-unveils-new-interior-5-years-after-devastating-fire
Notre Dame Cathedral unveils new interior 5 years after devastating fire

The newly renovated interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been unveiled for the first time since reconstruction began more than five years ago.

The iconic 12th-century landmark opened its sacred doors to French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, showcasing its brand new design that pays homage to its original construction destroyed in the devastating 2019 blaze.

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron visiting the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral construction site

The iconic 12th-century landmark opened its doors to President Emmanuel Macron and his wife on Friday. via REUTERS

Restored altar designed by Guillaume Bardet in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, showing stained-glass windows, replaced spire and carved stone gargoyles

In addition to the stunning stained-glass windows, the cathedral’s spire and carved stone gargoyles have been restored to their past glory. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

President Macron and his wife, first lady Brigitte Macron, were shown around inside the Gothic cathedral ahead of its official reopening next month.

During the televised two-hour walkthrough, Macron appeared impressed by the light pouring into the nave after the cathedral’s windows were renewed and its white stones cleaned.

“This is overwhelming,” he said while taking an extensive tour alongside several government officials.

Macron was also invited up on the roof to look at the new wooden beams, which had to be replaced after the fire had gutted the old ones.

Flames and smoke billowing from the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris during the 2019 fire

Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen Dec. 7, nearly six years after a fire ripped through the historic structure. Getty Images

Interior view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with damage from a recent fire, showing broken floor and many windows

The fire was accidentally sparked under the cathedral’s roof, sending the church’s spire crashing down. AFP via Getty Images

The large wood pieces came from all over the country, and were repurposed from oak trees.

Macron was seen shaking hands with many of the master craftsmen who had taken part in the restoration project.

On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as a blaze ripped through the 860-year-old architectural gem — reducing its roof to ashes, causing its central frame to collapse and toppling its soaring spire.

People strolling in Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral with French President Emmanuel Macron, visiting the restored interiors following the 2019 fire

The cathedral showcased its new design paying homage to what was destroyed in the 2019 blaze. AP

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron touring the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral

Macron was also invited to the roof to look at the new wooden beams, which had to be replaced after the fire had gutted the old ones. AP

French President Macron visiting the nave of the renovated Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral with sunlight pouring in, revealing its arched ceiling and checkered floor.

During the two-hour walkthrough, which was televised, Macron appeared impressed by the light pouring into the nave. REUTERS

In the aftermath of the fire, donors — including billionaire French tycoons — pledged nearly $1 billion to restore the structure, according to restoration chief Philippe Jost.

The fire was accidentally sparked under the cathedral’s roof, sending the church’s spire crashing down, as heartbroken Parisians watched and wept.

Firefighters were ultimately able to save the building’s structural integrity and many treasured relics.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Anne Hidalgo visiting the under-construction site of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, thanking donors and workers

“This is overwhelming,” Macron said while taking an extensive tour alongside several government officials. via REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife visiting the restored interiors of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral

President Macron and his wife were shown around inside the Gothic cathedral ahead of its official reopening next month. AP

Altar designed by Guillaume Bardet in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, reopening after 2019 fire restoration, including untouched 13th century windows.

The cathedral still boasts three of its original 13th Century windows that were not affected by the fire. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The painstaking restoration effort took roughly five years and included repairing the cathedral’s stained glass windows, roof and signature flying buttresses.

In addition to the stunning stained-glass windows, the cathedral’s spire and carved stone gargoyles have been restored to their past glory.

“It was an exceptional renovation project,” stone carver Samir Abbas said while awaiting Macron’s arrival. He also noted his relief at having finished on schedule.

French President Macron visiting the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral under renovation, slated to reopen on December 7, 2024

Notre Dame is slated to officially reopen on December 7. via REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron, along with Brigitte Macron, Anne Hidalgo, and Valerie Pecresse, greeting Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich during a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral for its reopening celebration in 2024.

Macron was seen shaking hands with many of the master craftsmen who helped restore it. via REUTERS

Restored facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, with its repaired stained glass windows, roof and flying buttresses, during French President Emmanuel Macron's 2024 visit

The painstaking restoration effort took roughly five years and included repairing the cathedral’s stained glass windows, roof and signature flying buttresses. AP

While the cathedral is currently bare inside, Notre Dame will eventually be fitted with new, specially designed furniture before its reopening next month.

The cathedral still boasts three of its original windows unaffected by the fire. The windows all date back to the 13th century.

What’s more, the statue of the 14th-century Virgin with Child was also rescued from the blaze and now sits firmly in the newly restored church.

Notre Dame is slated to officially reopen on Dec. 7, and will have a new $150 million surplus fund to protect its structure.

With Post wires

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