Notre-Dame Cathedral Welcomes Visitors Again

Paris – Notre-Dame Cathedral is now open to tourists and worshipers, marking the one-year anniversary of its reopening after the devastating fire in April 2019.

By the end of this year, the cathedral is expected to attract over 12 million visitors, with some estimates predicting as many as 15 million. Michel Picoult, president of the nonprofit Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, which has been instrumental in fundraising for the cathedral’s restoration, shared that visitor numbers had already reached 8 million by August.

“We are undoubtedly the most visited monument and cathedral in France,” Picoult stated. “We’re anticipating around 12 million visitors this year, which is typically a significant number, so this is quite exciting for us.”

On April 15, 2019, the cathedral suffered severe damage when a fire caused both the roof and part of the exterior to collapse, along with significant destruction to the interior.

The cathedral’s history dates back to the 12th century, with construction beginning in 1163 and taking nearly 200 years to finish. Renovations were made in the 18th century, and further restorations occurred in the 19th century. This iconic structure has served as a significant symbol of Christian worship in Paris for centuries, measuring approximately 420 feet long and 157 feet wide.

“Inside, we had to replace the items that were lost in the fire,” Picoult explained. “This includes typical liturgical equipment such as a new altar, a baptismal font, and even a reliquary that holds Christ’s Crown of Thorns. There are also new pews, which is what’s changed.”

The next phase of restoration, which Picoult notes will take about four years, will focus on the exterior. “We plan to restore the exterior below the roof level, particularly the stunning flying buttresses, gargoyles, and other features that contribute to Notre-Dame’s grandeur on the outside,” he said.

New stained glass installations are also on the agenda.

According to Picoult, the cathedral is a space for both believers and tourists and regularly hosts religious ceremonies. He mentioned that they’ll adjust visitor numbers based on the situation, particularly if services are ongoing. “I think managing this has become more straightforward,” he mused.

Visitor access to the tower, which allows guests to climb 424 steps to the top, resumed in September. Picoult remarked that the view from the top offers “stunning perspectives of Paris.”