Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral might span up to two decades

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The famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which has been a global icon since the publication of Victor Hugo's novel, Notre-Dame de Paris, is set to begin its reconstruction next winter. However, the process is expected to take a significant amount of time, with estimates suggesting that it might take 15 to 20 more years to complete.

This lengthy reconstruction period is due to the extensive damage caused by the fire that broke out on April 15th, 2019. The blaze ravaged the cathedral's roof and caused the loss of the spire, clock, and part of the vault. The fire also released high amounts of toxic lead onto the cathedral site and nearby areas.

The responsibility for leading the reconstruction lies with the technical director of the project, Olivier Etienne (Director of the Department of Roofing and Monument Preservation), and a team including the Balas group, led by project manager Louise Bausiere and site manager Maxime Matysiak.

Initially, French President Emmanuel Macron set a five-year deadline for the restoration, aiming to complete the work by 2024, in time for the Summer Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in Paris that year. However, French officials later acknowledged that this deadline was not realistic.

Despite the ongoing construction, the public plaza in front of Notre Dame reopened in June, and the crypt beneath it opened in September. Areas near the cathedral have also begun to welcome visitors, according to Travel + Leisure. Notre Dame is currently operating from the nearby church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.

It's important to note that the Notre Dame Cathedral was a popular tourist attraction, receiving tens of millions of visitors annually before the Covid-19 crisis. As the reconstruction progresses, it is hoped that the cathedral will once again become a beacon of French culture and history, attracting visitors from around the world.

The fire at Notre Dame was a global spectacle, attracting worldwide attention. As the reconstruction work continues, the world will watch with bated breath as one of the most iconic structures in the world is restored to its former glory.