(ZENIT News / Paris, 12.03.2024).- The grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on December 7 and 8 is set to be a historic moment for Paris, but it comes with extraordinary security measures. Following the devastating 2019 fire, the iconic Gothic structure will welcome visitors once again under the watchful eyes of thousands of security personnel.
A City on Alert
Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez, who oversaw security during the 2024 Summer Olympics, emphasized the elevated terror threat level during an interview with Le Parisien. “The threat level is very high, akin to what we managed during the Games,” Nuñez stated. Though no specific threat has been identified, he pointed to Islamist extremism as the primary concern for authorities.
To ensure safety, the Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame stands, will become a fortress. Access restrictions will include the closure of nearby metro and train stations, businesses, and restaurants. Even the Seine’s iconic boat tours will halt, and air traffic above the area will be suspended throughout the ceremonies.
Residents of the area will be required to carry identification to access their homes, while tourists and spectators will navigate strict security perimeters, with the SILT (Internal Security Against Terrorism) protocol fully enforced from December 7 at 7 a.m. to December 8 at 8 p.m.
A Historic Gathering
Inside the cathedral, 3,000 attendees, including over 100 heads of state and government officials, will witness the unveiling of the restored interior. However, the festivities extend beyond the cathedral walls, with approximately 40,000 spectators expected to gather in the surrounding area to watch the ceremony on giant screens.
A Multilayered Security Effort
Although Nuñez withheld precise figures, the deployment will involve “several thousand” personnel, including snipers and soldiers from Operation Sentinelle, France’s counter-terrorism task force. Advanced surveillance and crowd management systems will also play a key role in ensuring safety during the event.
The reopening coincides with a notable uptick in tourism, with visitor numbers in Paris for the week of December 2–8 estimated to rise by 18% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Office of Tourism.
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