French President Emmanuel Macron today celebrated the extraordinary efforts of over 1,000 artisans who helped restore Notre Dame Cathedral, calling it the “project of the century.” Speaking five and a half years after a devastating fire consumed the iconic Gothic masterpiece, Macron expressed gratitude to the carpenters, stonemasons, art conservators, firefighters, and donors who contributed to its rebirth.
“Notre Dame’s fire was a national wound, and you were here to heal it with determination, hard work, and dedication,” Macron told the gathered craftsmen, including members of the centuries-old guild Compagnons du Devoir, renowned as France’s finest artisans. The audience erupted in applause as Macron concluded his speech with a heartfelt “thank you.”
The monumental restoration project meticulously revived the cathedral’s spire, structural domes, flying buttresses, stained glass windows, and ornate stone gargoyles. The newly restored white stone and gilded accents now shine more vibrantly than ever, marking a stunning transformation from the dark days of April 15, 2019. On that fateful evening, millions watched in horror as flames engulfed the roof and spire, causing their collapse and threatening the iconic bell towers, which narrowly escaped destruction.
Visiting the cathedral today, Macron appeared deeply moved as light streamed through the restored stained glass windows into the central aisle. “It’s amazing,” he remarked, touring the site alongside First Lady Brigitte Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and other dignitaries.
Notre Dame, one of France’s most beloved and visited landmarks, will reopen to the public on December 7. The ceremony, set to feature global celebrities and heads of state, will include special services to honor and thank all who contributed to the rescue and restoration efforts.
The project raised more than €840 million from donors worldwide, according to Macron’s office. Remarkably, enough funds remain for further investments in the cathedral’s future. Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich expressed hope and gratitude, stating, “We look forward to welcoming the whole world under the roof of our cathedral.”
With the reopening, Notre Dame is expected to draw around 15 million visitors annually, reaffirming its place as a spiritual and cultural treasure.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
