In an awe-inspiring journey of resurrection, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is reemerging from the ashes of a catastrophic fire that threatened to consume its 860-year-old Gothic grandeur. Half a decade later, the world is granted an exclusive glimpse at the meticulous restoration efforts aimed at breathing new life into this iconic landmark.

Last Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the UNESCO World Heritage site, accompanied by a throng of reporters and photographers. The president beamed with pride at the sight of the ongoing €700 million (over C$1 billion) restoration, exclaiming, “This is overwhelming,” as he gazed upon the gleaming, freshly cleaned stones now restored to their former glory.

The tragic blaze on April 15, 2019, which wrecked large portions of Notre Dame, prompted a national outcry. Macron praised the nearly 400 firefighters who fought valiantly to “save this cathedral” amid flames that soared high above the city, leaving a grim reminder of the disaster in the form of charred ruins.

During his visit, Macron addressed the 1,300 workers responsible for the restoration, stating, “The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound, and you were the remedy, through your determination, hard work, and commitment.” His promises following the fire emphasized a desire not just to restore but to enhance its beauty, aiming for completion within an ambitious timeframe of five years.

As Macron surveyed the renovated interiors, the stark transformation from devastation to restoration was evident. Gaping holes and piles of debris that once marked the vaulted ceilings are now replaced by new stonework and intricate details. This brilliant craftsmanship, including delicate golden angels that appear to soar from the rebuilt ceilings, represents a renaissance for the cathedral.

In preparation for the restoration, rigorous cleanup efforts were essential to eliminate harmful toxins and ensure the site’s safety. Powerful vacuums removed toxic dust, while layers of latex were applied and subsequently peeled away, revealing stone surfaces that sparkle as if newly minted. An astonishing 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to roughly six soccer fields—were thoroughly cleaned.

Stonemason Adrien Willeme, who has been a driving force in the restoration, expressed his astonishment: “It feels like it was built yesterday, like it’s just been born, even though Notre Dame is very old.” Indeed, the extensive cleaning and repairs have given the cathedral a dazzling, almost youthful appearance.

Artisans from around the globe have employed techniques reminiscent of the original builders. Using a blend of 13th-century tools, including traditional axes and chisels, every wooden beam is hand-finished to replicate the cathedral’s time-honored craft. The reconstruction involves felling approximately 2,000 oak trees to recreate the roof framework, which is so dense and intricate that it’s colloquially called “the forest.”

Despite the impressive interior restoration, scaffolding still envelops parts of Notre Dame’s exterior. Philippe Jost, overseeing the reconstruction, noted that scaffolding at the base of the newly restored spire will remain until 2025 and will persist for another three years further along the monument's east side.

While some locals may feel a pang of disappointment witnessing the stark contrast between the revitalized interiors and the still-in-progress exterior, it’s worth mentioning that construction had already begun prior to the fire due to existing restoration efforts.

Looking ahead, an extravagant reopening ceremony is set for December 7, during which the world will be invited to witness the rebirth of this architectural masterpiece. With a lineup of celebrities and dignitaries expected to attend, it will be followed by days of special Masses to celebrate the cathedral's revival.

As the public prepares to enter the restored space the following week (with free ticketed entry), the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, expressed excitement, saying, “We are very eager to welcome the whole world under the roof of our cathedral.” With hopes that visitor numbers will soar beyond pre-fire averages, he anticipates around 15 million visitors annually.

In a testament to human resilience, Notre Dame Cathedral stands poised not just to reclaim its past, but to inspire a new generation—reminding us all that even the deepest wounds can heal, shining brilliantly once more.