(Photo : Wikipedia / tk)
Flames engulfed the Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral in the northern regions of France on Thursday as a tarp placed on the spire Flames got to the roof of the building and enveloped the entire structure. It quickly extended to the roof then the building's well-known tower or spire but the firemen managed to prevent it from burning the whole structure and burnt only the spire.
Historical Significance of Notre-Dame de Rouen
Notre-Dame du Rouen which is about 70 miles from Paris is not only famous because of the magnificent structure but also rich in history. The cathedral lost its spire from the Republic's second empire architect Jean-Antoine Alavoine in 2017 but it has been under repair now. The cause of the fire was the incompetent actions of employees and was preceded by a tarpaulin covering the spire, which has been under construction for several weeks on the collegiate.
Smoke was seen rising from the building the incident was quickly compared to the Notre-Dame fire that was witnessed in Paris in 2019. However, unlike Notre-Dame disaster in Paris that burnt for fifteen hours, this situation was subdued within an hour and a half. The city officials also disclosed that, while there was an element of destruction of properties, the main structure of the church was not attacked and there were no deaths recorded.
Cultural Importance and Artistic Inspiration
Jean-Benoît Albertini, prefect of Seine-Maritime supported the role of the cathedral and said that it is cultural historical site. He mentioned that an inventory was being conducted to assess any works that might have been affected by secondary water run-off, and some pieces might need additional protection.
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Notre-Dame de Rouen's cast iron is a supreme example of accomplishment and the spire you see today reaches a ghostly 495ft in the sky. This cathedral has many a time provided artists with inspiration to paint and the most famous being Claude Monet. This style made Monet, one of the leaders of the movement, paint the building in different lighting conditions, focusing mainly at the facade of the cathedral. They are the main factors that have bestowed the town of Rouen with importance as a site for the art lovers and followers of Monet.
It is one and half years since the initiatives dedicated to the birthday of impressionists in the capital of France commenced and many of the tours have incorporated the city of Rouen that any tourist would hardly omit viewing the cathedral that was painted by the famous artist - Monet. The catastrophe has nothing sobre me for me personally, although the anniversary has only attracted more attention to the cathedral finally, it is the quick response, the assessment of the dramatic event that saved the building from harm to ensure its continued functionality for future generations of tourists.
The Ministry of culture also stressed that the fire barely affected the structure of the building. People were also informed that the fundamental items were preserved and that the restoration process would go on. Firefighters' and the local government's quick response prevented what could have been a disaster; the Cathedral's historical and artistic values are preserved intact.
Symbol of French Culture and Heritage
Notre-Dame de Rouen Church escaping this fire incident proves that France's culture has a story to tell even after this tragic incident. The cathedral with the high steep and historical background still serves as the symbol of the country and its achievements in the sphere of arts. Until restoration works are completed, the cathedral will continue to be a focus of people's religious devotion and lovers of the Gothic architecture as well as Impressionists.
In conclusion, the fast and effective intervention has prevented the Notre Dame de Rouen Cathedral from being lost and destroyed during the fire. It reminds people that heritage should be protected from destruction, and constant work has to be put in to ensure that these architectural masterpieces stay intact for future generations to admire.
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