PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has given the world its first glimpse into the fully restored interior of Notre Dame Cathedral. The Gothic masterpiece, ravaged by a devastating fire in 2019, has undergone a breathtaking transformation. Five years after the blaze reduced the iconic cathedral to ashes, visitors can once again marvel at its blend of history and craftsmanship.
The restoration process involved cleaning over 42,000 square meters of stone using innovative latex peels, uncovering medieval mason marks, and preserving intricate details such as Nicolas Coustou’s Pietà. The altar now carries a poignant symbol of the fire’s devastation – molten lead fused into Christ’s hand.
The grand organ has also undergone an intricate revival, with its 8,000 pipes painstakingly disassembled, cleaned, and retuned. Its towering wooden case gleams under sunlight streaming through restored clerestory windows.
Restorers have revealed intricate murals in the 29 chapels surrounding the nave, gilded stars on ceilings, and vibrant motifs created by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The Chapel of Saint Marcel stands out with its vividly restored mural, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
The newly restored roof and spire draw gazes skyward, with medieval timber techniques faithfully recreated. Unseen state-of-the-art fire prevention systems now guard against future disasters, ensuring the cathedral’s safety.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/notre-dame-macron-visit-fire-restoration-paris-9760183f4a4827919a933fee9b64a8c2