Paris will erect an "ephemeral" cathedral while recovering Notre Dame

PARIS – Determined to keep alive the spirit of

Our Lady

By going through the delicate phase of reconstruction, a laborious work that will take no less than five years, the authorities have committed to build a temporary chapel in front of the medieval jewel.

The rector of Notre Dame, Patrick Chauvet, declared that they would erect "an ephemeral wooden cathedral intended to receive tourists and faithful", with the aim that the cathedral "is still alive".

"It will not be necessary to say that" the cathedral will be closed for five years, "he told CNews." That's why I wondered if an ephemeral cathedral could be built. I want a nice place, a somewhat symbolic place, that attracts. "

The mayor of

Paris

Anne Hidalgo encouraged the project and agreed to lend part of the esplanade in front of the cathedral for the construction of wood.

"This place open to the public, where there will be priests to speak", will also serve to receive the millions of tourists who visit Notre Dame. Around 12 million people visit the 12th century Cathedral, the most visited building in Europe each year.

Victim of a fire last Monday, Notre Dame suffered serious damage, mainly because of the fall of the roof and the famous 96-meter high needle, whose image at the time of the 39, collapse has become the symbol of tragedy.

The construction of his temporary replacement will be "quickly", said the rector. When "we have access" to the esplanade, which remains closed.

The government is open to donations from citizens and businesses and has announced the launch of an international architectural competition in search of ideas for the needle.

Consulted on the critics circulating according to the amounts pledged for reconstruction, about $ 960 million, Chauvet said he was badyzing the possibility of building "a place for the needy," since he 's sure he' s safe. was acting from the Hotel Dieu, the hospital located next to the cathedral, because "a cathedral has a place of charity at its side".

The Minister of Culture, Franck Riester, for his part said that the main structure was out of danger, but three areas remain fragile: the facade of the transept in its northern part, the west facade and an angle of the tower, which the risk of further destruction, all of which are supported by wooden beams.

Riester pointed out that at least "humanity has lost nothing in artistic works", with the exception of architectural landslides. Once the main treasures have been removed, the authorities wait for firefighters to give the green light to remove and move to a safe place the paintings that are still inside the cathedral.

AFP, DPA and AP agencies