Scaffolding that has shrouded the top of Notre Dame cathedral since a devastating fire in April 2019 has been removed, marking a milestone in the landmark’s reconstruction.
It revealed the Paris cathedral’s new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and cross, in a rare glimpse into its expected appearance upon completion.
There has been anticipation among Paris residents as Notre Dame is on track to reopen on December 8 this year.
Much of the cathedral remains surrounded by scaffolding, which could take weeks if not months to remove.
In a symbol of resilience and renewal, a new golden rooster, reimagined as a phoenix with flaming feathers, was installed atop the spire in December 2023, marking the cathedral’s rise from the ashes.
Other restoration efforts include the implementation of an anti-fire misting system beneath the cathedral’s roof as well as a recreation of the original cross.
