A new copper rooster was lifted by a large crane to the summit of Notre-Dame’s spire on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing restoration of the fire-damaged Parisian cathedral. The previous rooster had survived the 2019 fire but was displaced when the wooden spire collapsed. The new weather vane, made of golden copper, was blessed by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich and contains religious relics, a parchment listing workers’ names, donors, and patrons.
Described by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve as a “phoenix,” symbolizing the fire of resurrection, the rooster’s placement signifies progress in the cathedral’s reconstruction. French President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed the commitment to complete the reconstruction as scheduled, with Notre-Dame set to reopen for religious services and the public on December 8, 2024.
Despite initial debates about a modern twist, the 96-meter spire is being reconstructed in identical fashion to its 19th-century design by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. With around 500 workers daily, the project aims to restore the cathedral’s original features, including waterproofing the oak roof with lead in early 2024 and reinstalling furnishings, statues, artwork, and the organ over the following year.