Paris’ Cathedral of Notre-Dame is defiantly rebuilding, and more than anything else on my latest trip to Paris, I wanted to witness it.
In the early evening of April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the masterpiece of Gothic architecture that symbolizes Paris to the world, tragically went up in flames. The fire caused the destruction of the spire erected in the 19th century, the wooden frame built largely in the 13th century and the collapse of the vault of the transept crossing. The determined Paris firefighters saved much of the building, and today, according to the ambitious deadline set by President Emanuel Macron, Notre-Dame will reopen on April 15, 2024. The world is responding with donations are pouring in from everywhere.
The restoration is a massive and meticulous effort, using the best talent of archaeologists, architectural historians, artisans of all specialties and even robots. For example, workers have preserved and inventoried every individual stone from the stories-high vault.
More than anything else, having walked by her countless times and sitting meditatively inside while living or visiting Paris over the years, I wanted to witness the progress of “Our Lady of Paris.” Setting out on a two-plus mile walking tour around her from the distance – from the Pont Saint-Michel along the Quai de la Tournelle across the Pont de l’Archevêché to Île Saint-Louis and back to Île de la Cité, the island where Notre Dame is located – I was absolutely fascinated by the progress of the 24×7 restoration. I followed the detailed story as well through the museum-quality signage and photos on the fencing circling the cathedral.
I find that being among the is a spiritual experience, because their mighty and dedicated efforts and commitment demonstrate the power of humans to destroy and rebuild.
