Notre Dame's new spire unveiled five years after devastating fire

Paris, known for its timeless charm, is witnessing a historic moment as the scaffolding that enshrouded the summit of Notre Dame Cathedral since the inferno of April 2019 is finally being dismantled. 

In recent days, the removal has unveiled the cathedral's new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and cross.

Frederico Benani, a resident near the cathedral, emotionally reflected on the sight, saying, "I can open the window in the morning. I see Notre Dame. I see the spire — it’s for me, beautiful and it’s much better (than) before. It gives us hope."

As Paris prepares for the grand reopening on December 8, there's a palpable sense of anticipation among its residents. However, during the Paris Olympics in July and August, the iconic cathedral will remain closed to the public, preserving its sanctity amidst the city's bustling festivities.

The monumental task of restoring Notre Dame involves the meticulous removal of scaffolding, a process that may extend over weeks, if not months. The spire alone, a focal point of the reconstruction effort, was safeguarded by an intricate network of 70,000 pieces of scaffolding, weighing a staggering 600 tons.

A new golden rooster, reimagined as a phoenix with flaming feathers, was installed atop the spire in December. This phoenix-like symbolism encapsulates Notre Dame's triumphant rise from the ashes.

The cathedral's reconstruction extends beyond aesthetics, with additional measures in place for its safety. An anti-fire misting system beneath the roof and the recreation of the original cross stand as testament to the dedication invested in reviving this cultural masterpiece.

While much of Notre Dame still stands behind scaffolding, the removal process continues steadily.