The 2019 fire raged after construction sparked destruction.
Much of the roof was consumed, many of the treasures inside destroyed, and the damage extensive.
Yet this symbolic heart of Paris is being rebuilt with heaps of money and exponential care.
The 2019 fire raged after construction sparked destruction. (Photo: Wandrille de Préville viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Theoriginal spirewas a 19th-century addition to the medieval church.
Created by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, it rose an impressive 96 meters (314.9 feet) high.
It replaced an older version.
The portions of the roof and spire destroyed by fire. (Photo: Umbricht viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
The 19th-century spire contained a whopping 500 tons of wood and 250 tons of lead.
For now, the rebuilding team is beginning with the woodthe central structure of the spire.
Two hundred and eighty-six pieces must be carved to fit together and then lowered into place.
Notre Dame before the 2019 fire, with its spire standing tall. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Each is made of fine oak, much of which has been donated by private landowners and public lands.
The last piece was recently placed.
Of course, Im extremely proud to be part of this team and to rebuild Notre-Dame.
Visitors will be able to see this success for themselves in 2024 when the cathedralreopens to the public.
Notre-Dame has been closed since the devastating 2019 fire destroyed the spire and much of the roof.
The portions of the roof and spire destroyed by fire.
Notre Dame before the 2019 fire, with its spire standing tall.
