Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is getting its bells back as it prepares to reopen after a major fire in 2019.
Eight restored bells, including one weighing over four tons, have arrived at the cathedral, which is located on an island in the Seine River. The bells will be blessed in a special ceremony before being hoisted into the cathedral’s twin towers for the public reopening in December.
Cathedral Rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, who blessed the bells, said they are “a sign that the cathedral will again resonate” and bring people together. The bells will be tested one by one but will not ring in full until the reopening day, according to Philippe Jost, who is overseeing the reconstruction project. He described the bells as a powerful symbol of the cathedral’s rebirth.
The bronze bells, built in the 21st century using historical methods, replace older bells that were worn out. The fire in 2019 severely damaged the cathedral, destroying its roof and spire, which have now been rebuilt. As scaffolding is removed, Notre Dame is slowly returning to its former glory, ready to welcome visitors once again.
