Rooster statue reappears on the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral

According to Reuters, a golden rooster statue has been placed on top of the bell tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, marking an important milestone in the restoration of this historic monument after a fire in 2019.

A golden rooster statue is placed on top of the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo: AP

Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich blessed the rooster, whose wings are designed to resemble flames, before it was lifted to the top of Notre Dame’s 96-meter-high Arrow Tower. The new rooster, designed by architect Philippe Villeneuve, will replace the bronze one damaged in a fire more than four years ago. Villeneuve said the new rooster’s “wings of fire” symbolize rebirth from the ashes.

The statue contains part of the Crown of Thorns, relics of Saint Denis and Saint Genevieve - three important relics kept in the body of the old rooster statue that was severely damaged in the fire. Notably, the new rooster statue also contains a tube inside which is a document with the names of nearly 2,000 people involved in the effort to rebuild Notre Dame.

Blessing ceremony for the rooster statue. Photo: AP

Earlier, the new spire of Notre Dame Cathedral reappeared in the sky of the French capital. According to the plan, Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen in December 2024, after being largely restored. The restoration work is expected to be completed when the city hosts the Summer Olympic Games.

According to President Macron, France will hold a design competition for 6 modern stained glass windows for Notre Dame Cathedral, to create a unique "21st century highlight" for this world-famous building. If the options are not feasible, these windows will be remade according to the original version. Mr. Macron also announced that a museum will be built in Paris dedicated to Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the historical and artistic imprints and the "eternal reconstruction" of the building.

A golden rooster statue is pulled to the top of the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo: AP

Notre Dame Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It welcomes 12 million visitors each year. More than four years after the fire, investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. A preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault or a cigarette butt.

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