Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after restoration highlighting its literary and cultural significance

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is reopening after extensive restoration following the 2019 fire. The restoration aims to preserve its historical and architectural significance, which was highlighted in Victor Hugo's novel "Notre-Dame de Paris," originally written to raise awareness for its preservation. Hugo's novel features a complex cast of characters, with the cathedral itself as the main character. The story reflects the tumultuous history of Notre-Dame, including its degradation during the French Revolution and its eventual restoration, paralleling the cathedral's physical and cultural journey. French President Emmanuel Macron recently emphasized the cathedral's symbolic importance to the nation. This sentiment echoes Hugo's legacy, as both the cathedral and the novel continue to inspire interest in France's architectural heritage.