This morning, the iconic bells of Notre-Dame in Paris echoed through the air for the first time since a devastating fire swept through the historic cathedral back in 2019.
The resonant chimes of eight bells from the northern belfry emerged just a month ahead of the highly anticipated reopening of the cathedral, following five arduous years of restoration efforts following the calamity.
“This is a significant, poignant moment,” remarked Philippe Jost, who oversees the public entity dedicated to the cathedral’s restoration under exceptionally challenging circumstances. His role has been integral to bringing this beloved landmark back to life.
On that fateful night of April 19, 2019, both locals and people around the globe held their breath as raging flames consumed parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site, culminating in the heartbreaking collapse of its iconic spire. It was a scene that sparked widespread sorrow and disbelief.
In response to the disaster, a staggering assembly of approximately 250 firms, alongside countless experts, was mobilized to embark on a restoration mission, with costs spiraling into the hundreds of millions of euros. There was a palpable sense of urgency to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory.
As the bells began to ring, one by one, they united in beautiful harmony shortly before 9:30 AM Irish time. It was a moment reminiscent of the past—an echo of hope for the future.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re working towards perfection,” stated Alexandre Gougeon, who is overseeing the bells’ reinstallation. “Today’s test was a triumph.” The optimism in his voice was infectious, a glimpse into the dedication involved in this monumental undertaking.
Due to the fire, a part of the northern belfry was heavily damaged, necessitating the careful restoration of not just the structure but also the removal of the bells. Each bell underwent meticulous cleaning to eliminate dust and dangerous lead before returning to its rightful place.
The heaviest of the bells, known as “Gabriel,” tips the scales at over four tonnes, while the lightest, dubbed “Jean-Marie,” weighs a respectable 800 kilograms. These bells are not merely instruments; they are vital symbols of Parisian heritage.
To celebrate this monumental milestone, a grand weekend filled with ceremonies is slated for the cathedral’s reopening on December 7 and 8. This event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of a city and its stunning architecture.
In summary, the resounding bells of Notre-Dame have once again filled the Parisian air, signaling a new chapter for the beloved cathedral as it approaches the completion of extensive restoration work following the devastating fire of 2019. The ringing of the bells evokes a sense of hope and anticipation as the cathedral prepares to welcome visitors once more, reflecting the dedication and collective efforts invested by many individuals and organizations in preserving this critical piece of history.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
