NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL SPIRE VISIBLE WITH GRADUAL REMOVAL OF SCAFFOLDING It may take another 40 years to fully restore the iconic cathedral
For the first time in nearly five years, a spire atop the Notre Dame Cathedral becomes visible as workers have begun to dismantle the scaffolding around the historic Paris landmark, which was ravaged by a fire in 2019.
In April 2019, tens of millions of people around the world watched in real-time as the 19th-century spire atop Notre Dame toppled over and engulfed in flames.
The structure has been blocked by barriers ever since. The reinforcement and protection work for the cathedral was completed in the autumn of 2021, and the restoration of the spire began in 2022.
Now for the first time, the newly installed spire which has been hidden behind 70,000 pieces of scaffolding can be seen with the gradual removal of the scaffolding.
At the top sits a golden rooster and cross. The bird has flaming wings, which is meant to symbolise a phoenix rising from the ashes.
The new spire is a near-replica of the one that was destroyed in the fire.
There was a design competition for alternative ideas which was won by two young Chinese designers. Their theme was “Paris Heart Beat” featuring a mirrored roof and spire with a time capsule at the top. But ultimately, the French officials decided to stick with the tradition.
The scaffolding will continue to be removed in the coming weeks and people will get first glimpses of what the restored cathedral will look like.
The building itself is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, but it may take another 40 years to fully restore the iconic cathedral.