The dismantling of the scaffolding surrounding the Notre-Dame’s spire in Paris, which was ravaged by fire in 2019, began a few days ago.
The aim is to reveal the fully refurbished spire in time for the Paris Olympic Games, according to the Parisian authority’s statement released on Tuesday.
The pinnacle has been rebuilt in the same style as the 19th-century version designed by architect Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc, a masterpiece of solid oak covered by a lead roof. The crown, cross, and rooster, which sit atop the spire, are already in view.
"The scaffolding removal has begun and will continue over the coming months. The spire should be visible by the Olympics," states the announcement. "The scaffold, which weighed 600 tonnes and comprised 70,000 metallic parts, reached a height of 100 metres, consisting of 48 levels intricately interlaced with the skeleton."
The famous spire collapsed on 15th April 2019, along with other portions of the cathedral, during a massive fire which was broadcast around the world. The cathedral is set to reopen on 8 December this year.
