13/04/2024
Dear Readers,
This post will provide a brief update on the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. It had been hoped that repairs would be far enough along to celebrate Easter Mass in the Cathedral, but sadly this did not come to pass. Instead the rector and chaplains celebrated Easter in St-Germain-l'Auxerrois, just behind the Louvre.
But the good news is that the spire is at last in place, hovering over Paris. The steeple is made of oak, and workers are now covering it with lead panels to protect it from the elements. You can watch a short video on the spire here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqndS9__DeQ
Both inside & outside the building, reconstruction is progressing. Statues are being repaired and placed back on the roof, the 24 chapels have been meticulously cleaned & repainted, the walls have been sanded to remove centuries of grime and are now a pale yellow, their original color. The stained glass windows have been cleaned for the first time since they were installed in the 13th Century, their luster & color brighter than ever. The organ & its 8000 pipes were thoroughly cleaned to remove the lead dust from the fire, and the instrument is now being reassembled. It will be tuned later this year once it is fully in place.
Most significantly, the wooden framework known as the Forest, has at last been finished (see photo). Twelve hundred trees contributed to the reconstruction of the framework, the same as in 1196. They were trimmed and shaped using medieval tools, to maintain tradition. The trees have been replanted to ensure the integrity of the forests where they were grown.
This video will provide a full update on the various elements of the reconstruction process - the artisans & laborers assigned to the project are working 24/7 to reopen the cathedral to the public by December 8th, the date that is now planned as the official "relaunch" of Notre Dame Cathedral.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDVJX8r8AOU
If you come to Paris, don't hesitate to contact me for a tour of the Cathedral - from the outside of course :). Or perhaps you would like to take one of my other tours - feel free to browse & find the tour you like on www.VisitTheHiddenParis.com, my website. I hope to see you soon in Paris !
