Preparations to restore the sharp spire of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris has began, signaling that the destroyed monument is on track for a late-2024 reopening. The scaffolding has been set up, and custom-cut stones for the spire’s base were recently delivered by barge along the River Seine, as they were during the spire’s construction in the 19th century.
It has been almost four years since the iconic building was devastated by a fire, and the reconstruction has been going according to schedule. Initial hopes were that the cathedral would be ready to welcome visitors for the Summer Olympics in Paris next year, but it seems that a December completion is more likely, with December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, being the target.
The original spire was designed by architect Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc, and the replacement has been made as an exact replica, using 500 tons of oak and another 250 tons of lead for the covering and ornaments.
The collapse of the spire was one of the most dramatic moments of the fire, which also caused significant damage to the cathedral’s roof and upper walls. The reconstruction of Notre Dame is a significant undertaking, with millions of euros being raised to fund the work.
The French government has repeatedly assured the public that extreme precautions are being taken to prevent lead poisoning in the environment and among workers. The original cathedral had a large amount of lead used on the roof, which melted down into the depths of the building during the fire. After it cooled, chipping the toxic metal off the surviving stone and wood became the majority of the cleanup work.
The restoration work has also led to some remarkable discoveries, such as multiple stone tombs and a lead sarcophagus containing the remains of a religious leader from the 13th century. While the reconstruction of Notre Dame is a significant challenge, it is also an opportunity to uncover and preserve the history of the cathedral and the people who lived and worked there over the centuries.
The restoration work is being closely followed by people around the world who are eager to see the cathedral restored to its former glory. As the work continues, it is a reminder of the resilience and determination of the people of Paris and the enduring power of one of the world’s most iconic buildings.
