Notre-Dame's Bells Chime Again, Five Years After Fire

Five years after a massive fire damaged Notre-Dame cathedral, the historic bells rang out once more last Friday. Alexandre Gougeon, who oversaw the installation, said it was an emotional moment. The project, which lasted a year and a half, culminated in the ringing of eight restored bells from the northern belfry. This was a technical test before the cathedral's scheduled reopening next month. Three new bells, including one donated by the Paris Olympics committee, were also installed. The largest bell previously rang at the Stade de France during the summer Olympics.

The restoration of the bells marks a significant milestone. According to the cathedral's rector, their ringing is a key part of the mass, symbolizing love and hope. The fire in 2019 caused extensive damage to the 850-year-old building. Authorities believe the fire was accidental, possibly caused by a cigarette or electrical issue. The cathedral, a popular attraction in Paris, drew about 13 million visitors annually. President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild it exactly as it was, aiming for a December 8 reopening. Philippe Jost, who heads the restoration efforts, said everything is on schedule. "Every day, the cathedral gets more beautiful, " he said, praising the work of 2, 000 people involved in the restoration.

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