How artisans are resurrecting a cathedral that took two centuries to build
In short: After a devastating fire in 2019, Notre-Dame de Paris is undergoing a massive restoration. Photographer Tomas van Houtryve has documented the dangerous, high-altitude work of the artisans tasked with reviving this eight-century-old landmark, revealing how the cathedral’s layered history continues to evolve through both tragedy and rebirth.
The restoration of Notre-Dame is a monumental task that requires workers to navigate hazardous conditions, often wearing hazmat suits and respirators while scaling the cathedral's heights. This process has provided a unique vantage point into the structure's history, exposing layers of architectural evolution that have accumulated over eight centuries. For photographer Tomas van Houtryve, the project has been a study in contrast: the breathtaking beauty of the Parisian skyline viewed from the Galerie de Chimères versus the stark reality of the charred roof and melted scaffolding left behind by the 2019 fire.
The cathedral's resilience is rooted in a long tradition of repair and reconstruction. Its ten bells, which survived the 2019 blaze, exemplify this continuity. The oldest, Emmanuel, dates back to the 15th century and was recast in 1681 by order of Louis XIV, while the other nine were installed as recently as 2013. When these bells ring, they create a soundscape that bridges centuries, reflecting the cathedral's role as a living monument that has been repeatedly ravaged and reimagined throughout its long life.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1163, when Paris, despite being one of Europe's largest cities, had a population of only about 40,000. The project was an act of immense audacity, taking nearly 200 years to complete. The original builders worked with the full knowledge that they would never see the finished structure, a commitment to multi-generational legacy that is rare in modern times. For over 700 years, until the completion of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, Notre-Dame remained the tallest structure in Paris, standing as the spiritual and cultural heart of the city.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Resurrecting Notre-Dame de Paris | Podcast | Overheard at National Geographic
- Also: Episode 1: Resurrecting Notre-Dame de Paris
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