Notre Dame de Paris' restauration

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French President Emmanuel Macron has recently praised the efforts made to rebuild Notre-Dame in Paris. Reopening the Cathedral in Summer 2024, when Paris will be hosting the Olympics, is still the target.

Two years after the world watched transfixed in horror as flames ravaged the cathedral, Macron said “immense” restoration work had already been accomplished since the blaze. While the spire collapsed and much of the roof destroyed on the evening of April 15th 2019, the efforts of firefighters ensured the great medieval edifice survived the night.


Around €833 million has so far been collected in a national and international donation campaign launched immediately after the fire, but this may not be enough to push the restoration over the finishing line.


Investigators are still trying to shed more light on the causes of the fire but the extent of the damage has potentially made drawing any conclusions impossible.

Several shortcomings in the security of the cathedral have been identified, including the alarm system, which was too late in alerting firefighters. An accident possibly caused by a short circuit or discarded cigarette remains a likely explanation.


We all look forward to seeing the cathedral restored to her former glory!



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