Gargoyles resurface once more.
Notre-Dame Towers Reopen to the Public, Offering Breathtaking Views of Paris and Restored Cathedral
After a painstaking restoration process following the 2019 fire, the towers of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are set to reopen to the public this Saturday.
The towers, standing tall since the 13th century, have survived wars, revolutions, and the 2019 fire, and now offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness the panoramic view of Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.
The south tower, home to the famous bells, stands 60 meters high. Inside, a monumental wooden spiral staircase, planned for 1,400 hours and taking 9,200 hours of work to construct, leads visitors up 178 steps. The staircase, weighing 20 tons, provides a sense of awe and wonder as one ascends.
At the top, the bells, "Emmanuel" and "Marie," both survived the 2019 fire and now hang on new, solid support beams. "Marie," added in 2013, is designed to last for 300 years. The new spire of Notre Dame, featuring a golden cock, adds a touch of elegance to the towering structure.
The Cistern Courtyard, housing 18th-century rainwater collectors, is now accessible to visitors. This courtyard connects the two towers and offers a final view of the cathedral and Paris rooftops before descending. The restoration process has made the stone shine and opened unexpected paths, including a passage between the towers.
Philippe Jost, head of "Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris," summarizes that breathtaking views of the reopened interior of the cathedral can be seen from the new visitor route. Visitors can move up the staircase like a procession, with one staircase leading up and the other down.
Jost, a 65-year-old leading the renovation of Notre-Dame de Paris since 2019, heads the public-law institution "Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris" responsible for the cathedral's restoration. Five gargoyles, lost in the fire, have been replaced with faithful replicas.
The reopening marks the second major act of the rebuilding of the cathedral of Paris, a testament to the resilience and determination of the French people. Visitors are encouraged to experience this historic moment and witness the beauty and grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
