The cathedral’s eight bells rang out over Paris a month before the cathedral reopened.
On the evening of April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the cathedral, which caused extensive damage to the world-famous church. Firefighters managed to save the basic stone structure of the 850-year-old building, but the flames destroyed the roof and other construction parts of the cathedral. The spire also collapsed.
After the devastating fire, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the cathedral would be restored within five years and made even more beautiful than before.
The renovation of the cathedral cost hundreds of millions of euros and involved around 250 companies and hundreds of experts.
The bells today were rung in stages until all eight rang out in unison. The sound is not yet perfect, but the first attempt was successful, said Aleksandrs Gužon, who is responsible for installing the bells.
Although the construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century, the bronze bells that were damaged in the fire are from this century. They were made according to historical tradition to replace the previous obsolete bells.
After the fire, the bells were removed, cleaned of dust and lead, and stored until they could be returned to their original location.
The heaviest of the eight bells weighs more than four tons. but the lightest – 800 kilograms.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Notre-Dame Restoration Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the incredible journey of Notre-Dame Cathedral since the devastating fire that shook the world in April 2019. Joining me is Dr. Isabelle Dupont, a leading expert in historical architecture and a key consultant on the restoration project. Isabelle, thank you for being here.
Dr. Isabelle Dupont: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important cultural landmark.
Editor: Let’s start with that tragic night on April 15, 2019. The images of the fire were heart-wrenching. Can you describe what the situation was like for those first responders on the scene?
Isabelle: Absolutely. The scene was chaotic, with flames engulfing the roof of this 850-year-old architectural marvel. Firefighters faced a daunting task. Their focus was on saving the stone structure and the artwork that had survived centuries. The cathedral was not just a religious site; it held the heart of French history. Every minute counted, as they battled the flames and worked to protect this beloved monument.
Editor: It’s amazing to think the firefighters managed to save the core structure. What does the restoration process look like, especially after such significant damage?
Isabelle: The restoration of Notre-Dame is a meticulous process. After the fire, we first had to assess the damage. This involved architectural surveys and scientific analysis to ensure the integrity of