The reconstructed spire of Notre-Dame cathedral has been revealed in Paris, with a design identical to the 1859 version designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Scaffolding has been removed from around the 96-metre-tall spire, which is among the elements of the landmark to be reconstructed following the devastating fire in 2019.
Scaffolding has been removed from the rebuilt spire at Notre-Dame cathedral. Photo by Jmex via Wikimedia Commons.
It marks a major milestone in the iconic cathedral's restoration, which French President Emmanuel Macron said would ensure the building was rebuilt "identically" to how it was before the 2019 fire.
Works were originally expected to be completed in time to reopen the cathedral for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but it is now set to reopen in December 2024. However, scaffolding will remain on the building as renovation work is expected to continue until 2028.
 

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It is crowned by a golden rooster
In the photos, the spire of Notre-Dame cathedral can be seen in full for the first time since its reconstruction was completed in December.
It is made of wood and modelled on the 1859 version by Viollet-le-Duc, which replaced the building's original gothic version.
The rebuilt spire is topped with a recreation of the original cross, as well as a golden rooster designed by architect Philip...