Notre Dame prepares to reopen on December 8 after fire damage and renovations

Notre Dame cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, after being closed since a devastating fire in 2019. The fire caused significant damage, including the collapse of the spire and central frame, but many artworks and relics survived. The cathedral has a rich history, beginning with its construction in 1160. Key events include the 1455 trial of Joan of Arc, which took place at Notre Dame, and the building's use as a wine cellar during the French Revolution in the 1790s. Victor Hugo's 1831 novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" sparked public interest in the cathedral's restoration, which was completed in 1865. The recent fire has led to extensive renovations, and the reopening marks a significant moment in the cathedral's ongoing history.