For the first time since the devastating fire of 2019, the bells of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral in France have rung out in anticipation of the landmark’s reopening on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The iconic cathedral caught fire in April 2019, which caused damage to the roof and spire of the structure. The extensive restoration effort, costing an estimated $760 million, drew on the expertise of workers from around the globe and utilized specially crafted tools designed on-site to replicate those that were used during the original construction centuries ago, according to NBC News. Support for the project was immense, with over 340,000 donors from more than 150 countries contributing over $900 million.
At the outset of the restoration, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the 861-year-old structure within five years. Now, he is celebrating the milestone of the cathedral’s bells ringing again.
“Five years ago, a promise: to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral together,” Macron posted on X. “Today, its bells are finally ringing thanks to the extraordinary work of so many of you. In a month, we will reopen its doors.”
Notre Dame is set to reopen next month, with celebrations beginning on December 8. The cathedral has added three new bells, including one inscribed with “Paris 2024” that rang when the country hosted the 2024 Olympics. The landmark has a total of 21 bells, each named after a prominent figure in the church.
