China News Service Paris, April 15 (Reporter Li Yang) April 15, 2024 is the fifth anniversary of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. The restoration works are in the final stages in preparation for the reopening of Notre-Dame.
The reporter saw that the restoration of the spire and roof structure of Notre Dame Cathedral was progressing smoothly, and the spire part had been basically exposed, reflecting the original ancient style. Many people used their mobile phones and cameras to photograph the spire and record the moment.
French Culture Minister Dati reminded people through social media on the same day that this day is the fifth anniversary of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. She also stressed French President Emmanuel Macron's promise that Notre-Dame will reopen on December 8, 2024, the result of the work that those involved in the restoration project are looking forward to. According to French media reports, Macron will attend the ceremony related to the reopening of Notre Dame.
The cleaning and maintenance of the interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral is also in the final stages. These tasks are tedious and include the restoration of floors, the reinstallation of stained glass windows, and the further reinforcement of internal structures.
On April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral was hit by fire, the top was burned down, and the spire collapsed, but the main building was saved. Reconstruction efforts have been repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic, weather and lead contamination. Since 2023, the pace of restoration work has significantly accelerated.
The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral is expected to continue during the 2024 Paris Olympics. If the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics were to be held on the course of the Seine and the area along it as originally planned, the athletes would see Notre-Dame Cathedral as they sailed through the Seine, which would also be historic for Notre-Dame.
Last week, France issued a new set of stamps on the theme of Notre Dame Cathedral to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the fire of Notre Dame Cathedral, featuring the roof structure of Notre-Dame Cathedral. France has issued five sets of stamps on the theme of Notre Dame Cathedral in a row, and according to the distribution plan, this issue should be the last set of stamps in the series.
Photo by China News Service reporter Li Yang