France's iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral formally reopened on Saturday for the first time after more than five years of intense reconstruction work to restore the nearly 900-year-old medieval building to its former glory from a devastating fire in 2019.
The restoration effort involved the work of about 2,000 people, including craftspeople, architects and other professionals, and the reopening was achieved within a five-year deadline despite predictions it could take eight to ten years.
"The restoration work involved over 2,000 people, and we are so excited and proud to see what we have accomplished today. Especially when the cathedral now presents this new look that we have never seen before. Today's Notre-Dame Cathedral has restored its majesty, we have helped it to be reborn. I believe this will be regarded as a miracle by everyone who is going to see it," said Philippe Jost, president of the public establishment for the conservation and restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Although the City Island, home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, was closed to tourists and non-residents Saturday, a large number of people coming from near and far lined the streets of Paris and waited to witness its reopening.
Some Parisians say they are particularly thrilled by the reopening.
"It is an exceptional day, so I want to paint in watercolor an exceptional moment with the emotions that I feel at this moment," said Yves Goffin, a Paris resident who was painting the 12th-century landmark.
"Today marks Notre-Dame's rebirth, so it's a really important moment I think for the whole world. As a local resident living nearby and unfortunately witnessed the fire, it's really a very exciting moment. We've been waiting for five years, we've followed the restoration and so we're really excited and happy today," said Yasmina, another resident.
Tourists also had unforgettable memories of the historic monument.
"When I was a kid, six years old, 1971, I visited the first time the Notre-Dame, I have some photos, and it's for me, it's very important, it's a very beautiful thing. This is a historical French (building), and all French people are here celebrating," said Palachi Ilan, a tourist.
"I think that it's (important) not just for the French people, it's like all around the world. It's a heritage of human being, and I think that (it's) the heart (of France), and it's a symbol of Paris, of course, but it's a symbol of humanity and freedom and kindness all over the world. So it's a very very (important thing). We are very excited about this new opening," said Cyndi Boldrin, another tourist.
The April 2019 blaze broke out in the church's roof space, destroying its iconic spire and damaging the cathedral's roof and upper walls.
Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after 2019 devastating fire
Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after 2019 devastating fire
