Last weekend, the Notre Dame cathedral reopened its doors to the public for the first time since the devastating fire in 2019, offering a fresh look at its restored interior following five years of comprehensive conservation work. The reopening to the public, with events on 7 and 8 December, marked a significant milestone in the cathedral’s reconstruction and provided a chance to showcase the extensive repairs to its stonework, vaulting and timber roof.

The painstaking restoration was carried out using traditional craftsmanship such as hand-hewn oak beams for the roof alongside modern techniques including advanced digital modelling. This combined approach reflected a broader commitment to reviving traditional skills, with artisans employing time-honoured methods to restore the cathedral’s fabric.

…