Five years after a catastrophic fire, Paris's beloved cathedral will open to great fanfare. Nat Geo got exclusive access to witness how an army of architects and artisans rebuilt the church back to its sacred splendor.

The devastating fire was more than a loss to architecture; it was a cultural tragedy, a reminder of how fragile even the most enduring symbols can be.

On December 7, the beloved Gothic cathedral in Paris will reopen after a five-year restoration project. Here's how to plan your visit.