Five years after that tragic fire, Notre Dame Cathedral is ready to show off its newly renovated interior. On a crisp, sunny day, French President Emmanuel Macron got a sneak peek inside the iconic cathedral. Gone are the gloomy memories of the fire; instead, visitors can now enjoy the bright, airy spaces filled with natural light.

The cathedral’s vaulted ceilings, once ripped open by the blaze, have been repaired and restored. Delicate golden angels now watch over the transept from their perch above. The limestone walls, once smeared with centuries of grime, have been cleaned and look brand new.

Cleaning crews used powerful vacuums to remove toxic dust from the lead roofs. Then, they sprayed latex layers onto surfaces to remove dirt. On some walls, cleaning gels revealed long-hidden bright colors.

Carpenters worked tirelessly to rebuild the roof and spire, using hand tools just like their medieval counterparts. They crafted giant oak beams, bearing the marks of their hand axes. “The forest” nicknamed the intricate roof framework, is made from 2, 000 newly felled oak trees.

Macron’s visit kicks off a series of events leading up to the cathedral’s grand reopening. On December 8, the public can finally step inside again. The French government sees the reconstruction as a unifying symbol of national resilience and skill.

Notre Dame’s Rebirth: A Peek Inside the Famous Cathedral

Actions