As Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris prepares to reopen its doors to the public on 8 December, nearly half of the French population intends to visit the historic monument, according to a recent survey.
The world-renowned Notre-Dame cathedral, which was severely damaged by a devastating fire on 15 April, 2019, will reopen to the public on 8 December after five years of restoration work.
The anticipation surrounding the reopening is high, with half of the 1,000 people surveyed planning to visit it after its reopening, according to a recent online survey led by polling organisation Verian for La Croix daily newspaper and in partnership with franceinfo.
Also six percent stated that they plan to visit it "very quickly" after the doors swing open.
Indifferent to the restoration?
According to the study, 43 percent of respondents feel a sense of pride about the reopening, with this sentiment even stronger among practicing Catholics.
But nearly a third of the French population remains indifferent to the extensive restoration project.
The study also reveals that half of French people expect the historical integrity of the cathedral to be meticulously preserved during its reopening.
Bells of Notre-Dame cathedral ring out for first time since 2019 fire
In addition, 42 percent of practicing Catholics hope to see the cathedral restored to an even more beautiful state. The general public are more focused on improved accessibility for visitors.
For 65 percent the project reveals the French craftmanship expertise, while 52 percent regard it as an architectural feat.
For practicing Catholics, the restoration symbolizes France's ability to unite in the face of adversity. They believe the project is a successful example of cooperation between the Church and the State.
French heritage
The study underscores the deep emotional attachment the French people have to Notre-Dame, with 53 percent of respondents – rising to 81 percent among practicing Catholics.
For half of the French population, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of French heritage, a piece of history and a universal cultural treasure.
Spiritual reflection
While the cathedral’s religious significance is acknowledged, it is less prominently mentioned by the general public.
Only 29 percent of French people, and 53 percent of practicing Catholics, primarily view Notre-Dame as a Catholic place of worship.
Meanwhile, 16 percent of all French people and 33 percent of Catholics see the cathedral as a space for spiritual reflection open to all, regardless of faith.
(With newswires)
