The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen this Saturday, five and a half years after a catastrophic fire severely damaged its spire and roof, bringing the historic Gothic structure to the brink of collapse.
The 860-year-old cathedral has been carefully restored, featuring a newly rebuilt spire and rib vaulting, with its flying buttresses and intricately carved stone gargoyles returned to their former splendor. The white stone and gold decorations now shine more brightly than ever. President Emmanuel Macron, amid a significant domestic political crisis, will host U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and numerous other global leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, for an opulent reopening ceremony beginning around 7 p.m. (1800 GMT).
The fire on April 15, 2019, was watched with horror by Parisians and TV viewers worldwide as the spire and roof collapsed, threatening the main bell towers and the overall stability of the building. Macron remarked, “The planet was shaken on that day. The shock of the reopening will – I believe and I want to believe – be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
Due to forecasted strong winds, the inauguration will be held entirely inside the cathedral, organizers announced on Friday. Macron had initially planned to speak outside.
The Catholic Church anticipates that Notre-Dame will draw about 15 million visitors annually. Starting Saturday, visitors can reserve a free ticket online via the cathedral’s website, social media, or a dedicated app for same-day or next-day entry. A queue will also be available for those who wish to visit without a prior booking.
Sunday visiting hours will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with expected high demand and long lines. Group tours will commence next year, starting February 1 for religious groups and June 9 for guided tours for tourists.
