One year since the ravaging fire that destroyed the Notre Dame in Paris, the iconic bourdon bell in the south tower of the cathedral rang loud and clear at 8pm to pay a tribute to the healthcare workers and medics that are at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
As the bourdon stopped tolling, much cheer and applause was heard from the people that were in the vicinity of the great monument.
On 15th April in 2019, a devastating fire gutted most of the parts of the 850-year-old cathedral, which is known to be an integral part of the French culture and identity. Since that day, it has tolled only once – in September last year to pay a tribute to former President of France, Jacques Chirac who died that month.
The time coincided with the Parisians are appreciating and clapping for their frontline healthcare workers from their windows and balconies.
The 13-tonne bell, which was cast in 1681 and is the second biggest in France, traditionally rings on solemn occasions, religious celebrations, presidential funerals, and papal visits.
Unfortunately, the efforts to restore the cathedral are running months behind schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, President Emmanuel Macron has promised to do all he can to ensure that the cathedral is restored by 2024, when France will host the Olympics Games.
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