Hogyan tovább, párizsi Notre Dame? Isten dicsőségére és az emberiség javára
What next, Notre Dame of Paris? For the glory of God and the good of humanity

Author(s): Tamás Fejérdy
Subject(s): Architecture, History of Art
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: Paris Notre-Dame Cathedral; restoration; reconstruction; authenticity; cultural heritage; Venice Charter; world heritage; intangible heritage; Gothic architecture; monument conservation
Summary/Abstract: The study examines the restoration dilemmas that emerged after the devastating fire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on 15 April 2019. The author emphasizes that Notre-Dame is not only one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture but also a universal symbol of European and Christian cultural heritage. Special attention is given to the nineteenth-century restoration led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, including the reconstruction of the famous spire that later became an iconic part of the cathedral’s image. The paper discusses the international debate that followed the fire concerning whether the cathedral should be restored to its previous state or redesigned with contemporary architectural additions. The author strongly criticizes several spectacular modern proposals that ignored the historical, spiritual, and symbolic significance of the monument. The study presents important international restoration principles, including the Venice Charter, the Krakow Charter, and the Riga Charter, which define the conditions of authentic reconstruction after destruction. Examples such as the reconstruction of the Campanile in Venice, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, and the Old Bridge of Mostar demonstrate that faithful rebuilding after catastrophic loss can be internationally accepted. According to the author, the decisive factor in reconstruction is the availability of reliable documentation and the continuity of cultural memory associated with the destroyed monument. The article argues that Notre-Dame should not primarily be treated as a tourist attraction or architectural experiment, but as a sacred place embodying both tangible and intangible heritage. The study concludes that the only acceptable solution is the complete and authentic reconstruction of the cathedral in its pre-fire form, carried out with patience, professional humility, and respect for its spiritual and historical significance.

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