© Associated PressThe newly renovated interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been unveiled for the first time since reconstruction began more than five years ago.
The iconic 12th-century landmark opened its sacred doors to French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, showcasing its brand new design that pays homage to its original construction destroyed in the devastating 2019 blaze.
President Macron and his wife, first lady Brigitte Macron, were shown around inside the Gothic cathedral ahead of its official reopening next month.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIn addition to the stunning stained-glass windows, the cathedral's spire and carved stone gargoyles have been restored to their past glory
"This is overwhelming," he said while taking an extensive tour alongside several government officials.
© GettyFlames and smoke billowing from the roof of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris during the 2019 fire 13
Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen Dec. 7, nearly six years after a fire ripped through the historic structure on April 16, 2019.
Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen Dec. 7, nearly six years after a fire ripped through the historic structure on April 16, 2019.
The large wood pieces came from all over the country, and were repurposed from oak trees.
Macron was seen shaking hands with many of the master craftsmen who had taken part in the restoration project.
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as a blaze ripped through the 860-year-old architectural gem — reducing its roof to ashes, causing its central frame to collapse and toppling its soaring spire.
© Geoffroy VAN DER HASSELThe spire atop Notre Dame Cathedral collapses April 16, 2019
Philippe Jost, President of the public establishment Rebuilding Notre Dame
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe aftermath of the fire that severely damaged Notre Dame Cathedral, April 16, 2019
© Associated PressMacron was invited to the roof to look at the new wooden beams, which had to be replaced after the fire had gutted the old ones.
Firefighters were ultimately able to save the building's structural integrity and many treasured relics.
The cathedral still boasts three of its original 13th Century windows that were not affected by the fire. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The painstaking restoration effort took roughly five years and included repairing the cathedral's stained glass windows, roof and signature flying buttresses.
© AssoThe historic Gothic cathedral will have its official reopening in December 2024.
"It was an exceptional renovation project," stone carver Samir Abbas said while awaiting Macron's arrival. He also noted his relief at having finished on schedule.
© APRestored facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.The painstaking restoration effort took roughly five years and included repairing the cathedral’s stained glass windows, roof and signature flying buttresses.
The cathedral still boasts three of its original windows unaffected by the fire. The windows all date back to the 13th century.
What's more, the statue of the 14th-century Virgin with Child was also rescued from the blaze and now sits firmly in the newly restored church.
Notre Dame is slated to officially reopen on Dec. 7, and will have a new $150 million surplus fund to protect its structure.
And pay no attention to the men in robes seen running around the roof of the cathedral just as the fire began.