Light show illuminates Notre-Dame's facade on eve of re-opening ceremonybr br A light show illuminates the facade of the Notre-Dame cathedral on Dec. 6, 2024 on the eve of its re-opening ceremony. A devastating fire on April 15, 2019 ravaged the Gothic masterpiece five and a half years ago, destroying the landmark's spire and roof and brought it within minutes of collapsing. But the 860-year old medieval cathedral, a symbol of both France and Paris, has now been meticulously restored, with a new spire and rib vaulting. Its flying buttresses and carved stone gargoyles have returned to their past glory and the white stone and gold decorations shine brighter than ever.