Paris, France – Following over five years of extensive restoration efforts, Notre Dame Cathedral unveiled its rejuvenated self to the public on Friday. The cathedral, which tragically suffered a devastating fire in 2019, now boasts rebuilt soaring ceilings and meticulously restored stonework, erasing reminders of the past tragedy.

During a site visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, live images showcased the interior of the iconic cathedral in a way that harkened back to medieval times. Sunlight flooded the space, illuminating the vibrant colors of the stained glass windows and casting a sense of renewal over the historic structure.

While the exterior of the cathedral remains a bustling construction site with scaffolding and cranes, the renovated interior, revealed in its full glory for the first time on Friday, left spectators in awe. Stonemasons painstakingly repaired the once-gaping holes in the ceilings caused by the fire, now adorned with delicate golden angels soaring above the transept.

The bright, cream-colored limestone walls of the cathedral gleam like new, devoid of both fire residue and centuries-old grime. Prior to the fire, Notre Dame Cathedral attracted millions of visitors annually, but following the tragic event, it became a restricted zone accessible only to those involved in its restoration.

Macron, accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, the archbishop of Paris, and other officials, marveled at the restored interiors, which underwent a meticulous cleaning process involving powerful vacuum cleaners to remove toxic dust from the lead roofs that melted during the fire.

Techniques both modern and traditional were employed in the restoration, with craftsmen working by hand to rebuild the roof and spire using oak beams sourced from 2,000 trees, creating a framework aptly nicknamed “the forest.” The reconstruction process has been hailed as a symbol of French unity and resilience.

Further events are set to commemorate the reopening of the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece, with Macron scheduled to return to deliver an address and attend the consecration of the new altar during a solemn Mass. The reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the French people and their determination to restore this iconic landmark to its former glory.