Notre Dame Cathedral reopens after five-year restoration following 2019 fire

Notre Dame Cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024, after a five-year restoration following a devastating fire in 2019. The ceremony, attended by around 1,500 dignitaries, including world leaders, marked the cathedral's return to worship with music and prayer. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the restoration as a symbol of resilience and unity. The project involved 250 companies and hundreds of experts, costing hundreds of millions of euros, and restored the cathedral's iconic features, including its great organ. The reopening is expected to attract 15 million visitors annually, an increase from 12 million before the fire. Enhanced security measures were in place for the event, reflecting the cathedral's significance as a cultural and spiritual landmark.