Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris attracted over 800,000 visitors in its first month after reopening, exceeding St. Peter’s Basilica’s attendance, with an efficient reservation system in place.
Newsroom (21/01/2025 09:47, Gaudium Press) A month after its much-anticipated reopening, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has become a magnet for visitors, drawing an impressive crowd of over 800,000 people. This remarkable turnout has even surpassed the number of visitors to the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome during the same period, highlighting the enduring allure and cultural significance of Notre-Dame as a global landmark.
According to Sybille Bellamy-Brown, the cathedral’s press officer, a substantial portion of these visitors—about one-third—secured their entry through the online reservation system. This system, which facilitates approximately 10,000 reserved entries daily, has proven to be highly effective in streamlining the flow of visitors. The remaining two-thirds of attendees opted for spontaneous visits, taking advantage of the cathedral’s free entry policy. Thanks to this well-organized system, the cathedral has managed to maintain minimal queues, ensuring a pleasant and efficient experience for everyone. On average, about 32 visitors enter the cathedral every minute, a testament to its popularity and efficient management.
Free entrance
The demographics of the visitors further reflect Notre-Dame’s international appeal. French nationals make up the largest group, underscoring the cathedral’s deep-rooted significance in the nation’s cultural and religious identity. Americans and Italians follow closely, demonstrating the site’s global appeal. Additionally, a considerable number of tourists from Germany, China, South Korea, and Japan have also flocked to see the newly reopened cathedral, showcasing its draw for travelers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Entry to Notre-Dame remains entirely free, whether reserved online or not. For those opting to book in advance, the reservation system allocates 60% of available slots online two days prior to the visit. The remaining slots are made available on the day itself, allowing last-minute visitors to secure their chance to explore the cathedral. This balanced approach accommodates both planners and spontaneous tourists, contributing to the overall accessibility of the site.
A deep spiritual experience
Daily attendance figures at Notre-Dame are staggering, with an average of 29,000 visitors per day and peaks of 30,000 on weekends and Thursday evenings. These numbers are comparable to those of another world-famous Parisian landmark, the Louvre Museum, further cementing Notre-Dame’s status as a cultural and historical powerhouse. Most visitors spend an average of 32 minutes inside the cathedral, although this time can extend to an hour and a half for those attending Mass. During these services, the cathedral can host up to 2,500 worshippers, providing a deeply spiritual experience for those who come to pray.
The religious significance of the cathedral remains a cornerstone of its appeal. By early January, around 50,000 hosts had been distributed during Masses, underscoring the cathedral’s role as not only a tourist destination but also a vital place of worship. The reopening of Notre-Dame has not only revitalized one of Paris’s most cherished landmarks but has also reaffirmed its importance as a site of faith, history, and global cultural heritage.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
