Newly released images and video offer the first internal view of the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, five years after a devastating fire.

Officials toured the iconic structure before its December 8th public reopening, describing the experience as “overwhelming,” according to Reuters.

While the 12th-century monument’s exterior remains a construction site, the interior restoration—including the removal of years of accumulated grime—has revealed the cathedral’s vibrant original colors.

“We eagerly await welcoming the world to our cathedral,” stated Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich on the cathedral’s website. “On April 15, 2019, hundreds of thousands committed to what seemed an impossible task: restoring the cathedral’s splendor within five years.”

Carpenters employed traditional hand techniques, mirroring their medieval predecessors, to rebuild the roof and spire destroyed in the fire.

Donations totaling nearly $1 billion poured in following the fire.

Restoration director Philippe Jost reports that approximately $148 million of these funds remain.

He explained that these funds will be used “in accordance with the patrons and donors to conduct necessary work,” as Notre Dame continues to require preservation and structural reinforcement.

The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, a non-profit established in 2017, played a key role in international fundraising efforts.

Michel Picaud, president of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, told Digital last week that the cathedral’s condition was already precarious before the fire.

“The fire was a terrible event; we had to not only restore, but rebuild parts of the cathedral, a far greater undertaking than anticipated. We were hopeful we could succeed in this substantial rebuilding effort,” Picaud said.

President Macron will return on December 7th to address the public and attend the consecration of the new altar during a solemn Mass the following day.

’ Ashley J. DiMella and