Notre-Dame Cathedral to regain Iconic spire and reopen by end of 2024

Shutterstock

The iconic spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 2019, will be reinstated by the end of 2023, according to the French culture ministry

Although the reconstruction of the cathedral is on track for completion by the end of 2024, authorities have confirmed that the cathedral will not be fully reopened before the Paris Olympic Games in July and August 2024.

The rebuilding of the cathedral has been progressing well, and authorities had earlier set a possible completion deadline for 8 December 2023. However, the wooden spire that had previously adorned the cathedral's peak had fallen into disrepair and was replaced by a sharp spire during the 19th-century redesign by architect Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc. The collapse of the wooden spire was one of the most dramatic moments of the 2019 fire.

Once completed, the cathedral is expected to draw millions of visitors from around the world, as it did before the fire, which saw over 12 million visitors annually. Despite the delay in its full reopening, the reinstatement of the spire will be a significant milestone in the reconstruction process, bringing hope to people who have been eagerly awaiting the restoration of this historic landmark.

More from International News

  • Netanyahu says Israel to decide which international forces in Gaza acceptable

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel would determine which foreign forces it would allow as part of a planned international force in Gaza to help secure an end to its war under US President Donald Trump's plan.

  • Two suspects in Louvre jewel heist case arrested in Paris

    Two suspects in the brazen daylight heist of some of France's crown jewels from the Louvre were arrested in Paris on Saturday evening and are being questioned, Le Parisien newspaper reported on Sunday, citing sources close to the investigation.

  • Russian attack on Kyiv kills three, injures 31

    Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for new strong sanctions against Russia and its allies after Russian drones killed three and injured 31, including six children, in an overnight air attack on Kyiv.

  • PKK announces withdrawal from Turkey

    The outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) said on Sunday it was withdrawing from Turkey as part of a disarmament process it is coordinating with the government, and pressed Ankara for concrete measures to move the process along.

Blogs