Notre-Dame Bells Toll Once More After Five Years

The renowned bells of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris rang once more for the first time since a devastating fire in April 2019 significantly damaged the historic site.

Eight bells in the northern belfry sounded on Friday during a technical test ahead of the cathedral's anticipated reopening, slated for early December.

The restoration added three new bells, the largest gifted by the Paris Olympics organizing committee, which had previously chimed at the Stade de France.

Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 committee, spoke of the bell's 'second life' and its symbolic significance at the core of Notre-Dame.

The 2019 fire severely damaged the 850-year-old edifice, and although the exact cause remains unknown, investigators consider possibilities such as a discarded cigarette or an electrical fault.

Rebuilding efforts have been intensive, with French President Emmanuel Macron vowing that the restoration would reflect the cathedral's original design.

Philippe Jost, who heads the restoration project, confirms that the work is progressing on time for the December 8 reopening.

'Each day, the cathedral becomes more beautiful,' he remarked, crediting the dedication of the 2,000 workers engaged in the project.

Situated on Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame has been a prime attraction, attracting about 13 million visitors each year prior to the fire.