Notre Dame Cathedral welcomes the world once again after six years of restoration

Rain fell over Paris on Saturday, but it did little to dampen the spirit of thousands of people who gathered in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. For the first time since a devastating fire in 2019, the medieval landmark has reopened fully to the public, drawing crowds eager to step inside and witness the results of one of the most ambitious reconstruction projects in modern history.

Tickets for tours sold out in less than 30 minutes when they first became available, underscoring the global fascination with the 12th century monument. Visitors from across the world described the experience as overwhelming.

 "What they've done to it since the fire is just unbelievable," said Janine, an Australian tourist, marveling at the craftsmanship. Others spoke of a sense of awe at being able to walk through a building that has endured nearly nine centuries of history, war, and now rebirth.

CGTN spoke to Valerie Fougerat, the Director of Monuments for Paris, who explained that the tower tour has been redesigned to offer not only sweeping views of the city but also a rare chance to pass through the cathedral's ancient beams. 

"It provides a much more complete experience, closer to the heart of the building," she said.

The path back to this moment was long and complex. On April 15, 2019, an electrical fault is believed to have caused the blaze that tore through Notre Dame's roof, collapsing its spire and destroying centuries old wooden structures. The fire shocked the world, leaving one of Europe's most cherished cultural treasures on the brink of collapse.

What followed was an unprecedented reconstruction effort. Billions of euros were invested, and thousands of artisans, architects, and engineers collaborated to restore the cathedral stone by stone, beam by beam. 

Philippe Jost, head of the Rebuilding Notre Dame Foundation, said the project went beyond fire damage repairs. "Our ambition now is to complete a full restoration of the cathedral, addressing everything that will enable it to look its best," he added.

President Emmanuel Macron presided over the reopening of Notre Dame's two great towers on Friday, inviting visitors to climb more than 400 steps for panoramic views of Paris. 

The gesture underscored the government's commitment to ensuring the cathedral's place not only as a house of worship but also as a living symbol of French identity.

For many who stood in the rain outside Notre Dame, the reopening was more than a tourist attraction. It was a moment of resilience, renewal, and a reminder that even in the face of disaster, history can rise again.