The iconic spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reclaim its prominence on the city skyline as the scaffolding surrounding it begins to be dismantled, marking a significant milestone in the restoration efforts following the catastrophic fire of 2019.

According to the authority entrusted with the monumental task of restoring Notre-Dame, Etablissement Public, dismantling the scaffolding began on Tuesday. The ambitious project aims to unveil the entirety of the spire, making it fully visible to the public by the time the Olympic Summer Games take place in Paris on July 26.

“The dismantling of the scaffolding has started and will continue over the coming months,” stated Etablissement Public in communication with local media.

The scaffolding, reaching an impressive height of 100 meters (330 feet), comprised a staggering 600 tonnes of scaffolding, encompassing approximately 70,000 components. This intricate structure, akin to a metal labyrinth, posed significant challenges to restoration efforts, underscoring the technical complexity of the project.

One of the contentious aspects of the restoration has been the use of lead to cover the spire. Despite debates surrounding its potential toxicity, lead has been chosen as the material for its historical accuracy and durability.

In a symbolic gesture heralding progress in the restoration journey, December witnessed the reinstatement of the cathedral’s great cross, accompanied by the instalment of a new golden rooster atop the spire. 

The previous rooster was among the casualties of the devastating fire that engulfed the cathedral on April 15, 2019.

Initially, President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to unveil the fully restored Notre Dame before the commencement of the Olympic Games. However, due to unforeseen challenges encountered during the restoration process, the timeline has been revised, with completion now anticipated by December of this year.

Despite after three years, authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the inferno, though indications point towards an accidental origin.