Over the weekend, a symbolic event took place in Paris marking an enormous stride in the restoration of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, nearly four decades after it suffered a devastating inferno. A gold-coloured copper rooster was hoisted high above the Parisian skyline and perched atop the cathedral's newly rebuilt spire.
The spire stands majestically at 96 meters tall. The reinstatement of the golden rooster signals the impending completion of the spire's reconstruction, a crowning milestone in the monumental restoration process. Once the roofers have sheathed the spire, removal of scaffolding will allow the public an unobstructed view of the gleaming bird, almost reminiscent of the mythical phoenix rising from its ashes.
The golden rooster, a long-standing emblem of France, replaces its predecessor, a weathervane that sat atop a wooden spire until tragedy struck. In 2019, a fiery blaze swallowed the cathedral, causing the weathervane to crash through the ceiling. The freshly installed rooster now stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Restoring the bird was a labour of love for the restoration team who are honoured and proud to be part of such an occasion. The Archbishop of Paris bestowed a blessing on the rooster before its ascension. Concealed within it is a tube enshrining the names of hundreds who played a role in the cathedral's reconstruction - a heartfelt tribute and acknowledgement of their tireless dedication.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, paid homage to the unwavering effort of the workers during his visit to the construction site last week. He confidently asserted that the cathedral is on course to reopen on December 8, 2024. In the interim, the old weathervane, found battered in the fire's debris, will be exhibited at a new museum. Its successor will survey the completion of Notre Dame's restoration, with the architects having integrated numerous fireproof features in the edifice to ensure its continuity as an enduring symbol of historic Paris.
