By PARIS — Five years after people wept as they watched a huge fire tear through Paris’ iconic Notre-Dame cathedral destroying the vaulted wooden ceiling and spire, the storied medieval landmark will reopen its doors once again in a weekend of celebration and ceremony.
Known in France as “la fléche,” or arrow, a rebuilt spire now stands proudly above spectacularly restored Gothic masterpiece again — part of restoration work completed in just five years on a building that originally took nearly two centuries to build.
“It’s beautiful,” Parisian Tom Renaud told NBC News as he marveled at the restored cathedral on Friday, a day before the medieval building’s doors officially reopen for the first time since the blaze tore through it on April 15, 2019.
“It’s a symbol of France for all Parisians,” added Renaud, 30, as he and his wife Lulu looked on. With so many enthusiasts around the world, he said the revival felt “important for everyone.”
The couple were far from alone in trying to take in the Notre-Dame, French for “Our Lady.” Scores of people walked around the site as police watched on and barricades erected as preparations for Saturday evening’s reopening ceremony were well underway.
Hundreds of people are expected to descend upon L’île de la Cité for the celebration which will also be attended by America’s first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and President-elect Donald Trump, who will be making his first trip overseas since he won November’s election.
