Factfile: Notre Dame reopens after devastating fire
by Catherine Pepinster, Religion Media Centre:
The medieval cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris will re-open on Saturday following a five-year refurbishment after the massive fire of 15 April 2019 came close to destroying France’s great gothic masterpiece.
How big was the task?
The work is estimated to have cost €700 million (£580 million) and needed a workforce of 600.
Why is it called Notre Dame?
Notre Dame means Our Lady, a name often used by Roman Catholics for Mary, the mother of Jesus.
And why has 7 December been chosen?
It is the eve of one of Mary’s greatest feasts — the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which refers to her being born without sin. The first mass in the restored Notre Dame, when its new altar will be blessed, will take place on the feast on Sunday, 8 December, and the public can then visit the cathedral.
How was the money raised?
The fire was so intense that the building was almost lost. The extent of the damage triggered such an outpouring of affection for the cathedral that donations amounted to €846 million, some from wealthy individuals as well as small amounts from ordinary members of the public. A surplus of €140 million will be used in the next three years for further restoration — of the façades, the roof of the sacristy, as well as the flying buttresses and the choir.
How did it catch fire?
The fire began during renovation work in the cathedral and it was probably caused by a worker’s cigarette or an electrical fault. It started in or near the spire and then quickly spread east, then raged west through the roof.
It destroyed the medieval roof timbers, the roof over the transept and the nave but stone vaulting survived. As people gathered in Paris that night, watching Notre Dame burn, a great cry went up from the crowd as the spire fell, crashing through the roof. Inside, the cathedral was badly damaged by falling masonry, water, and burning wood.
Four hundred firefighters fought the flames, which were finally extinguished the next morning.
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
