Not until the Mid 1800's, they built about 400 years too early I hate seeing these fires. So much irreplaceable history gone.
I have been blessed enough to make it to several of the great Cathedrals in Europe, just not this one. It has been on my list of places to visit for a while.
Just incredible. Did as many cathedrals as possible when I've been overseas. Never made it there. Wow.
Wow, I just saw the spire fall on the news. I'm really glad I had a chance to see it a few years ago when I was there.
Saw it many many years ago on my honeymoon. Heartbreaking news to see irreplaceable history destroyed.
I agree with all the sentiments above and the churches of europe are some of the most amazing buildings in the world but............ Is it all original? Weren't many destroyed in WW1 and 2? If it has been rebuilt once can they not do it again? Not to marginalize the loss but really wonder how much of Europe's major cities are OG (with the obvious exceptions like Dresden and Prague).
While it has been updated and renovated, Paris was never attacked during WW1 and partial reason for Frances surrender during WW2 was prevention of bombing of cities.
Looks like it started at the roof level and a sprinkler system probably would not have been very effective. The size of that fire would definitely overpower sprinklers, sadly we protect floor area in our systems and they are not really designed to protect the roof. My guess is that a construction (renovation) worker started it seeing all the scaffolding.
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire....they aint got no water cause they all on strike...oh wait. Thats not how that song goes... Hope they can get it out before the whole roof structure collapses. That would be very bad.
Many of them were marked for bomber crews to avoid during WWII, such as Ulm Minster. I've visited most of these and they are spectacular. What a loss for world history.