Tourists snapped photos in front of the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on Monday, as the historic landmark prepares to reopen in early December 2024. A series of ceremonies are scheduled for December 7 and 8, marking five years since the devastating 2019 fire that damaged the world heritage site and collapsed its spire. AFP
France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati clashed with the Roman Catholic Church on Monday over whether visitors should pay to enter Notre Dame when it reopens next month. Prior to the 2019 fire, Notre Dame was one of Europe's most visited sites, attracting 14 to 15 million visitors annually. However, while tourists to London's St Paul's Cathedral pay 25 pounds ($32) and Milan's Duomo charges at least 10 euros ($11) for non-praying visitors, Notre Dame has traditionally allowed free entry. Dati proposed a five-euro ticket, estimating it could generate 75 million euros annually for the maintenance of religious heritage sites. A prominent archbishop labeled the proposal a 'betrayal' of the church's purpose.
Dati warned the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF) that nearly 4,000 protected religious edifices are in poor condition or at risk. Despite acknowledging the proposal had 'sparked debate,' Dati argued that charging for entry 'could save a large part of our heritage' and urged Church leaders to collaborate with the government. 'I have no intention of commercialising our religious heritage,' Dati told the bishops. However, the Catholic establishment has largely rejected the proposal, with a senior bishop pledging to protect free access.
Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the CEF, argued that making visitors pay for upkeep would be a 'betrayal of their original vocation,' as churches and cathedrals have 'always been places open to all.' France boasts over 100,000 religious heritage sites, but the upkeep can be financially burdensome for small municipalities. The state owns all religious buildings constructed before 1905, while those built after belong to the Church. According to a CEF survey, of France's 149 cathedrals, only four belong to dioceses, 87 to the state, and 52 to municipalities.
Notre Dame's reopening next month follows five years of restoration work involving hundreds of artisans and costing nearly 700 million euros. On Monday, a prelate in the Landes region blessed the cathedral's new chairs and pews with holy water before they were transported to the capital.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
