After over five years, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will officially reopen its doors on Saturday, December 7, 2024, reported Reuters.
In a grand ceremony, world leaders will attend the historic event as the French architectural gem offers a moment of unity amid the ongoing global conflicts and divisions.
On April 15, 2019, the cathedral’s roof burst into flames, causing it to collapse. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigators saying it was likely an accident caused by a burning cigarette or an electrical fault.
The Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is a medieval Gothic marvel and one of the most visited monuments in Paris. The cathedral construction started in 1163 and lasted until 1260. The Notre-Dame Cathedral underwent major restoration and modifications during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The architectural masterpiece gained huge popularity worldwide when Victor Hugo used it as a setting for his renowned novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” in 1831, making it a symbol of Paris and France.
After the 860-year-old cathedral burnt in flames, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, vowed to rebuild it within five years. Thus, some of the world’s richest businessmen donated hundreds of millions of euros for Notre-Dame restoration. The process involved thousands of skilled craftspeople and oak trees.
The opening ceremony will start on 7 pm local time (6 pm GMT – 9 pm KSA) inside the cathedral. It will begin with a documentary on the restoration process, followed by a live classical music performance and a brief speech for the French President.
The guest list involves 1,500 VIP personalities, including many state and government officials and prominent figures. The most notable attendees include the US President-elect, Donald Trump; the US First Lady, Jill Biden; the UK’s Prince William; and the Ukrainian President, Volodymir Zelenskiy.
