On April 15, 2019, the world watched in shock as a devastating fire engulfed Notre Dame de Paris, the iconic 12th-century Gothic cathedral in Paris.
The blaze caused the collapse of the cathedral’s spire and extensive damage to its roof and upper walls.
In the aftermath, a monumental restoration effort was launched, culminating in the cathedral’s reopening on December 7, 2024.
This article shares a detailed account of the Notre Dame de Paris fire and restoration for those who follow this attraction by heart.
Take a tourThe Notre Dame Cathedral fire and its immediate aftermath
The fire broke out beneath the cathedral’s roof, rapidly spreading and leading to the collapse of the spire and significant portions of the roof. While the cause remains undetermined, investigations pointed to potential culprits such as an electrical short circuit or improperly extinguished cigarette.
Despite the catastrophic damage, the heroic efforts of firefighters saved the cathedral’s main stone structure, including the bell towers and facade, from collapse.
Crucial artifacts and religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns, were evacuated successfully.
Initiating the Restoration
After the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild Notre-Dame within five years. People had mixed feelings about whether this was possible.
Donations from around the world reached nearly €840 million, more than what was needed. Over 2,000 workers, including experts in stonework, carpentry, and stained glass, helped with the project.
The total cost of the restoration was about €700 million.
Key milestones in the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral Restoration
Debris Removal and Stabilization
The first step was to clear debris and ensure the building wouldn’t worsen. A big part of this was carefully removing 30,000 pieces of burned scaffolding that had been around the spire before the fire. This was tricky because the scaffolding was fragile and could have caused more damage if not handled properly.
Rebuilding the Spire
One of the most important parts of the restoration was rebuilding the spire. The original spire, created in the 1800s by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, was destroyed in the fire. Workers used French oak trees for the new spire, just like the original. This made sure the new spire looked and felt as authentic as possible.
Restoring the Stained-Glass Windows
The beautiful stained-glass windows, including the famous rose windows, were carefully cleaned and repaired by skilled artisans. Over time, dirt and damage from the fire had dimmed their beauty. After restoration, the windows shone brightly again, just like they did before.
Organ Restoration
Notre-Dame’s massive organ, which has almost 8,000 pipes, also needed fixing. Each pipe was taken apart, cleaned, and repaired one by one. This detailed work ensured the organ could once again produce its rich, majestic sound for visitors and worshippers.
These steps, taken by skilled workers and artisans, played a major role in bringing Notre Dame back to life.
The reopening of Notre-Dame
Notre-Dame reopened with special ceremonies on December 7 and 8, 2024, marking the end of five years of restoration.
December 7 – First Service
On this day, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris led the first service inside the cathedral. This service symbolized hope and marked Notre-Dame’s return after the devastating fire. During the ceremony:
- The cathedral bells rang for the first time since the fire in 2019.
- The main doors of the cathedral were opened to the public.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and other important leaders attended to thank the artisans and workers who spent years rebuilding and restoring the cathedral.
December 8 – First Mass
The next day, Notre-Dame hosted its first Mass since reopening. The highlight of the Mass was the blessing and consecration of the main altar.
- 170 bishops from different countries, priests from Paris, and world leaders came to witness this important event.
These ceremonies celebrated the incredible effort that went into restoring Notre Dame, honoring both the workers and the deep history of the cathedral.
Is Notre Dame open to visitors now?
Following its reopening, Notre Dame has resumed its role as both a place of worship and a major tourist attraction.
The main floor of the cathedral is open to visitors, with free admission facilitated through an online reservation system to manage the high volume of visitors and adhere to safety protocols.
The cathedral maintains strict capacity limits, allowing approximately 2,500 visitors inside at a time to ensure safety.
Learn how to reserve your time slot.
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How long will it take for Notre Dame to be restored?
The full restoration of Notre Dame is still not finished. Some work will continue beyond the reopening.
Spire’s Middle Section (Spring 2025):
The lead covering and decorations of the spire’s middle section are delayed. The scaffolding will be rebuilt to finish the work by Spring 2025.
Bell Towers (Summer 2025):
Restoration of the bell towers is ongoing, and they are expected to reopen by Summer 2025.
Chevet, Flying Buttresses, and Sacristy (2025-2028+):
Repairs and rebuilding of the back of the cathedral, flying buttresses, and Sacristy will begin in 2025 and could take 2 to 5 years. This work was planned even before the fire.
Outside Areas (by 2030):
Redevelopment around the cathedral will start in Fall 2025 and finish in phases by 2030. Plans include:
- Expanded green space behind the cathedral.
- Riverside Park with seating and shade.
- Underground parking turned into an indoor promenade.
- 100+ new trees and a cooling system.