The whole world watched in horror for a fire that broke out in the Cathedral of Notre Dame April 15, and when struck the spire — a symbol of Notre Dame, the experts began to Express the irreparable loss. But after only two days were collected the incredible sum — about $1 billion.
The money was donated as ordinary believers, and millionaires. And on Wednesday, April 17, near the Cathedral there were construction crews.
The President of France Emmanuel macron has established a five-year period for the restoration of Notre Dame. Today the French leader will hold a special meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, dedicated to the disaster in Notre Dame.
Dr. Emily Gerry
Despite this, Dr. Emily Gerry, senior lecturer in the history of medieval Europe at the University of Kent, told CBS News that all the restoration of Notre Dame, may take 40 years. According to her, the roof and spire of the Cathedral, burnt in the fire that was made from an ancient oak tree. In the ceiling of the Church was 13 000 beams, and Harry says that their replacement would take about 3000 trees.
«In the middle ages… it was easy to find lots of great oak, but overuse of the material has led to the destruction of many oak forests in Europe,» says Gerry.
According to experts, a very tall, old trees needed for the project, can be found in the Baltic States.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral before the fire
«We need carpenters who are able to choose the right trees and proper way to handle them, she continued. — These skills are not very common in the modern era, but I’m sure there are really talented people who will gladly do the work for Paris.»
In addition, the limestone used for the construction of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, «is considered one of the best in the world,» said Gerry CBS News. This stone was mined in Normandy in the 12th century and assembled by hand.
«We need the best masons in the world, and we will need a better career… now,» — said the expert.
According to preliminary data, the cause of the fire was an electrical problem.
