Notre Dame Cathedral gets rooster weathervane back as part of restoration after 2019 fire
Golden rooster installed This photograph taken on December 16, 2023 shows the new golden rooster containing relics before it is installed atop the spire of Notre Dame cathedral as part of its reconstruction, in central Paris. The golden rooster, designed by architect Philippe Villeneuve, contains relics saved from the fire that struck the monument on April 15, 2019, and a document with the names of those working on its reconstruction. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images) (THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)
ByTom Ensey, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
PARIS — A replica of Notre Dame’s golden rooster weathervane has been fitted to the new spire by a huge crane and a host of workers in a significant moment of the Paris landmark’s restoration.
The new golden rooster, designed by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, has been reconceived as a phoenix with flaming feathers to symbolize the resilience of the great building as it rises again after the devastating fire in April of 2019, according to The Associated Press. The rooster is a national symbol of France, the BBC reported. The ancient cathedral is one of the most archetypal buildings in Paris, with parts of it dating back to 1163.
Notre-Dame Cathedral spire gets new rooster weathervane ahead of 2024 reopening https://t.co/JZWjLpYHQc
The original weathervane was recovered from the wreckage but was damaged beyond repair by the blaze, which destroyed the spire and roof but left the rest of the building mostly intact, according to the BBC. Villeneuve was inspired by the original rooster’s survival, which he described as “a ray of light in the catastrophe,” AP reported.
The cathedral is scheduled to reopen next year.
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Firefighters tackle the blaze as flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, April 15, 2019. Thibault Camus/AP
Firefighters tackle the blaze as flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, April 15, 2019. Thibault Camus/AP
Flames rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns. Massive plumes of yellow brown smoke is filling the air above Notre Dame Cathedral and ash is falling on tourists and others around the island that marks the center of Paris. (AP/Thibault Camus)
Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019. - A fire broke out at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris. (PIERRE GALY/AFP/Getty Images)
Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019. - A fire broke out at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris. (PIERRE GALY/AFP/Getty Images)
Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
Flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site, the fire service said. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
Flames rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Plumes of smoke rises from Notre Dame cathedral burning in Paris. Massive plumes of smoke fills the air above Notre Dame Cathedral and ash is reported to be falling on tourists and others around the island that marks the center of Paris. (AP Photo)
Notre Dame cathedral is burning in Paris. Massive plumes of yellow brown smoke is filling the air above Notre Dame Cathedral and ash is falling on tourists and others around the island that marks the center of Paris. (AP Photo/Lori Hinant)
Notre Dame cathedral is burning in Paris, April 15, 2019. Massive plumes of yellow brown smoke is filling the air above Notre Dame Cathedral and ash is falling on tourists and others around the island that marks the center of Paris. (AP Photo)
People watch as flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
People watch as flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Flames rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Locator Map for Notre Dame Fire. (d.allen/AP)
People watch Notre Dame cathedral burning in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Lori Hinnant)
People watch Notre Dame cathedral burning in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Oleg Cetinic)
Massive plumes of yellow brown smoke is filling the air above Notre Dame Cathedral and ash is falling on tourists and others around the island that marks the center of Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Firefighters tackle the blaze as flames and smoke rise from Notre Dame cathedral as it burns in Paris, Monday, April 15, 2019.. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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