The ringing of Notre Dame’s bells sounded throughout Paris Friday morning for the first time since a catastrophic fire ravaged the historic cathedral more than five years ago.
Eight restored bells in the iconic structure’s northern belfry, which was partially destroyed in the horrific April 2019 fire, chimed in harmony for about five minutes, proving to be a symbolic moment as the cathedral sets to reopen to the public.
The emotional milestone comes after five years of painstaking restoration and modernization of the 850-year-old cathedral.
“Hearing the bells ring this morning was very moving,” Alexandre Gougeon, who managed the more than year-long installation, told CNN.
He then described the ringing, which was part of a technical test, as “the culmination of a big project.”
“It’s not perfect yet, but we will make it perfect,” Gougeon told AFP.
The restoration of the crippled monument — which has involved more than 250 companies and hundreds of skilled workers — went into motion after the blaze engulfed the Gothic landmark for 15 hours, causing its main spire to collapse.
The devastation — which left the cathedral in severe disrepair — is believed to have been caused by either a cigarette or a short circuit in the electrical system.
French President Emmanuel Macron immediately vowed to rebuild Notre Dame within five years of its destruction and make it “even more beautiful” than before.
The medieval Catholic cathedral’s scaffolding was removed earlier this year, revealing a new spire adorned with a golden rooster and a cross meant to symbolize resilience and renewal.
The implementation of an anti-fire misting system beneath the cathedral’s roof and the recreation of the original cross were also part of the restoration efforts.
The cathedral will reopen to the public on Dec. 8.
