Yesterday in France, the grand reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris took place. The cathedral underwent over five years of restoration after the fire that occurred on April 15, 2019. The fire destroyed part of the roof, caused the 750-ton spire to collapse, and damaged the famous gargoyles on the facades as well as the organ. Approximately 700 million euros were spent on restoring the structure.

About 40 heads of state attended the event, including French President Emmanuel Macron with his wife, newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who entered the cathedral to applause from the attendees.

Also present at the ceremony were the King and Queen of Belgium, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, the Prince of Wales, the Prince of Monaco, and actress Salma Hayek.

Among the guests was also Elon Musk, one of the VIP attendees invited alongside religious leaders and world leaders.

«All those who contributed to the restoration have shown us an example of what great nations can achieve. This cathedral was also a joyful metaphor of what a nation is and what the brotherhood of people should be. Notre-Dame tells us that our boldest dreams can come true. This cathedral reminds us that we are heirs to something greater than ourselves», said the French President in his speech.

The opening ceremony concluded with a performance by Pharrell Williams, who sang his famous track Happy.

Photo:@princeandprincess, @notredamedeparis