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When Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral caught fire and suffered enormous damage back in 2019, it was a devastating cultural event. One of the world’s most iconic works of medieval architecture, up in flames. But now, five years after that catastrophe, the iconic attraction will finally be open to visitors again.
Notre-Dame will be welcoming the public and resuming religious practices on Sunday 8 December 2024. Though not all the restoration works will be complete by then (it should be totally finalised sometime in 2025), it will be almost restored to its former glory – and there’s a plethora of events planned to celebrate, including displays of artefacts from the cathedral’s 861-year history.
In the years since Notre-Dame’s fire in April 2019, we’ve had a few hints at what the medieval cathedral might look like when it’s rebuilt. One plan suggested the new Notre-Dame could have a ‘Disney’ look with light and sound effects, while another proposed giving the area around the cathedral a big glow-up with greenery and an underground walkway, and even suggestions of creating a fire-proof rooftop pool.
Authorities have since chosen to rebuild it as it was – a wise choice, by the sounds of it. The 96-metre spire has been recreated and the cathedral’s iconic centrepiece has also been revived. Oh, and that bell from the Olympics will hopefully be hung in one of the towers, too.
Originally, it was hoped that Notre-Dame might reopen in time for the Paris Olympics, however, due to complications in stabilising the structure (which took two years in total), the project took a little longer than expected.
In any case, this is great news! One of Paris’ all-time most iconic sights is set to reopen by the end of the year. In the meantime, check out our list of the many, many reasons why the French capital should be on your travel bucket list.
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