One of the most significant moments in the reconstruction of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has arrived; its new spire has begun its rise to its intended height of 96 meters, replacing the one destroyed in the April 2019 fire that nearly destroyed the ancient building.
French President Emmanuel Macron took note of the occasion with a visit to the site, and a declaration that the cathedral would, in fact, reopen as planned on December 8, next year. His visit came exactly a year before the date, and he pledged “We will meet the deadline.”
The spire should reach its full height by the end of this month, and will then be clad in lead ornaments and statuary. Following that, the last major exterior work, restoration of the roof, will begin.
