The doors of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris have reopened to the public after a fire engulfed the beloved structure five years ago.
The damage required painstaking restoration and rebuilding. But eight restored bells in the northern belfry have begun ringing in preparation for Notre Dame’s grand return, which brings with it many new features. Visitors will discover an interior with pristine limestone walls, contemporary liturgical furnishings, restored religious masterworks from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a brand-new cedar reliquary for the crown of thorns, a relic believed to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to reopening the 860-year-old Gothic building within five years, reaching this point wasn’t easy, said Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dame’s rector. The challenge was met with nearly 2,000 workers and artisans, hundreds of thousands of donations, and a little bit of faith.
“If we remain united and mobilized around a common goal, we are capable of achieving the impossible,” Ribadeau Dumas said.
Before the fire, the cathedral regularly clocked 12 million visitors annually. Now more than 40,000 people are expected daily. While visiting the cathedral remains free of charge, reservations must be made online in advance.
Given the enthusiasm around the unveiling and the expected surge in visitors, it is strongly encouraged to plan ahead when visiting.

Making a reservation
For those wishing to visit during the reopening and other times going forward, the diocese has introduced a free online reservation system on the official cathedral website and on a free mobile app. The Notre-Dame de Paris app, available for iPhone and Android, will allow visitors and worshippers to book their slots and download five self-guided thematic tours.
Bookings can only be made starting two days before the visit, or one day prior or the day of a visit. Guests will be asked to arrive five minutes ahead of their time slot and present their reservation confirmation and a form of identification.