In a significant milestone for the reconstruction of Notre Dame cathedral, the scaffolding that had enveloped it since the devastating fire in April 2019 is being removed. As the shell at the summit is dismantled, the cathedral's new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and cross, has been unveiled for the first time, providing a glimpse of the building's expected appearance upon completion.

Nearby resident Frederico Benani, who witnessed the destructive blaze, expressed deep emotional connection upon seeing the spire once more. Benani remarked, "I can open the window in the morning. I see Notre Dame. I see the spire - it's beautiful to me, and it's much better than before. It gives us hope."

The removal of the scaffolding signifies the progress made in the restoration effort, with Notre Dame set to reopen on December 8. However, during the Paris Olympics in July and August, the cathedral will not be accessible to the public, as the city will host millions of visitors for the Summer Games.

While much of the cathedral still remains surrounded by scaffolding, which may take weeks or even months to remove, the spire alone was protected by a staggering 70,000 pieces of scaffolding, weighing a total of 600 tons. Its unveiling symbolizes resilience and renewal, complemented by the installation of a new golden rooster atop the spire in December. The redesigned rooster takes the form of a phoenix with flaming feathers, representing the cathedral's rise from the ashes.

Alongside the visible changes, there have been other notable restoration efforts. An anti-fire misting system has been implemented beneath the cathedral's roof to enhance its safety measures, and the original cross has been recreated as part of the ongoing endeavor to restore the iconic landmark to its former glory.