Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of France's most iconic landmarks, reopened on Saturday after five years of meticulous restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. The ceremony began with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich striking the cathedral’s doors with his crozier, followed by a psalm sung inside. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed guests, including US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the event as a global milestone. "Let’s reopen Notre-Dame," Macron said on X, emphasizing the international significance of the restored Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral's spire, rib vaulting, flying buttresses, and gargoyles have been restored to their former glory, while its white stone and gold decorations now shine brightly. Thousands of artisans worked on the restoration, employing traditional techniques to preserve its historical integrity. Notable attendees included Britain’s Prince William, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is part of Trump’s transition team. Former French presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy also joined the ceremony. The fire that engulfed the 860-year-old structure in April 2019 shocked the world. "The planet was shaken on that day," Macron said, expressing hope that the reopening would inspire optimism. Tourists gathered outside to admire the cathedral, while Parisians reflected on its significance. “I saw it burn, I saw it rise again,” said Pascal Tordeux, a local resident who witnessed the reconstruction daily. The restoration, funded by over €840 million in global donations, ensures Notre-Dame remains a universal symbol of resilience. Historian Damien Berne called it "a landmark and point of reference" in a constantly changing world. Starting now, visitors can book free tickets online to see the restored interior, with guided tours available next year. The Catholic Church anticipates 15 million visitors annually. (With inputs from Reuters)
