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The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has regained its voice, with its bells ringing for the first time since the devastating fire of 2019.
French President Emmanuel Macron fulfilled his promise to rebuild the 861-year-old landmark within five years. The bells’ return is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of skilled craftsmen and the global support for the project.
Notre Dame will reopen its doors on December 7th, with three new bells added to its collection. One of the bells, inscribed with “Paris 2024,” rang at the Stade de France during the Paris Olympics.
The cathedral’s 21 bells, each named for an important figure, have been undergoing cleaning since the fire. The restoration process involved using tools that matched those used by the original builders and sourcing oak trees from across Europe.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost $760 million, received over $900 million in donations from 340,000 donors worldwide. The bells’ ringing marks a significant milestone in the cathedral’s rebirth, a symbol of hope and resilience.