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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
