Macron unveiled the restored Notre-Dame ahead of its official reopening.
Five years after a fire damaged the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the world has seen the historic French landmark for the first time. French President Emmanuel Macron visited and showcased the restored monument on Friday, sharing a video on X, reports UNN.
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On November 29, just eight days before the official reopening, Macron invited the world to explore the updated and renovated Notre-Dame during a two-hour televised inspection tour. This marks the first time the restoration work has been shown to the public, notes France 24.
When the fire occurred in the 12th-century gothic masterpiece in 2019, Macron promised not only to restore it within five years but also to make it "even more beautiful" than before, a goal that French authorities claim has been achieved.
Approximately 250 companies and hundreds of experts were mobilized for the €700 million restoration funded entirely by donations, a site referred to as the "construction site of the century."
All 2,000 individuals who contributed to the efforts were invited to the event on Friday, with at least 1,300 expected to attend.
"This final site visit is an opportunity to thank them in particular - from woodworkers to metal and stone craftsmen, from scaffolders to roofers, from bell makers to art restorers, from gilders to stonemasons and sculptors, from carpenters to organ makers, from architects, archaeologists, engineers, and planners to logistics or administrative roles," said Macron before the visit.
Accompanied by his wife Brigitte, Macron was set to tour key areas of the cathedral, including the nave, choir, and chapel.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral, which lost its iconic spire in the fire, is scheduled to reopen on December 7.