Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral, its air thick with the smell of incense, on Sunday hosted its first Mass since the catastrophic fire of 2019, a moment that transcends religious significance to become a powerful symbol of Paris' resilience. Beneath the glow of traditional chandeliers and modern spotlights, which illuminated its intricately carved stonework, the cathedral emerged reborn, its grandeur restored after more than five years of reconstruction. For Catholics, it marks the revival of the city's spiritual heart, a place where faith has been nurtured for centuries. For the world, it signals the rebirth of one of global heritage's most famous landmarks. The event was both solemn and historic. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich presided over the morning Mass, including the consecration of a new bronze altar. The liturgy, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, clergy, dignitaries, and guests totalling around 2,500 people, was closed to the general public. Nearly 170 bishops from France and .

The trip to France marks Trump's return to the world stage, still a private citizen but already preparing to tackle a host of international crises

The iconic Parisian cathedral is nearing its reopening, five years after the 2019 fire. Here's a glimpse of its legendary architecture and grand history

As Notre Dame gears up to reopen its doors in December, Paris is on the verge of a remarkable eco-revival, bringing nature back to the forefront of the City of Light. Beyond restoring the cathedral's iconic spire and medieval charm, the city announced plans Tuesday to revamp Notre Dame's surroundings to a tune of 50 million euros ($55 million) into a serene, green oasis. The project echoes a broader, post-Olympics eco-facelift that's reshaping Paris from its historic monuments to its bustling avenues. Among the key elements of this broader transformation are the revitalization of historic spaces like the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde, a redesign aimed at reducing traffic around the Arc de Triomphe, and green promenades connecting the French capital's landmarks. Here's a look at some of the eco plans for Paris in the coming years: Notre Dame Cathedral: a rebirth in green The reopening on Dec 8 promises to be a historic moment for Paris, fulfilling President Emmanuel ..

The musicians now perform like a band of musical nomads, awaiting their return home

The demonstration to mark European Heritage Days gave the hundreds of people a first-hand look at the rustic methods used 800 years ago to build the triangular frames

President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants it rebuilt by 2024, when Paris hosts the Olympics, but experts have questioned whether that time frame is realistic

Notre-Dame, part of a UNESCO world heritage site on the banks of the River Seine lost its gothic spire, roof and many precious artefacts in the fire

The World Health Organisation told AP it also has no outdoor safety guidelines for lead dust and has no immediate intention to create any.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the monument by 2024, when France hosts the summer Olympics

Chauvet said "a segment of the cathedral has been very weakened" by the devastating fire. He did not elaborate which section he was talking about

Of all the historic monuments on earth, Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the 'superstars': its unique history, exceptional architecture and renowned artefacts attract millions of visitors to Paris

In 2001, for example, the Taliban regime blew up two of the tallest representations of Buddha in the Bamiyan Valley, in Afghanistan

A public appeal for funds was launched by the privately run French Heritage Foundation to help restore a 'symbol of French history and culture'

Notre Dame Cathedral may now also become an unpleasant symbol of current events - of popular frustration, the politics of anger and a gaping lack of trust in the establishment

'Notre-Dame survived all the wars, all the bombardments. We never thought it could burn,' Stephane Seigneurie, a consultant who joined other shocked onlookers

Experts note that Notre Dame is an aesthetically smooth synthesis of different centuries

The fire destroyed the roof of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark, whose spectacular Gothic spire collapsed before the eyes of horrified onlookers

Firefighters are still working to contain the blaze as teams are trying to salvage the artwork stored inside.