Fire in the spire

Famous Rouen Cathedral in flames

Thick clouds of smoke can be seen on the tower.

(Bild: AFP/Patrick STREIFF)

Dark smoke is rising from a tower of the world-famous Rouen Cathedral in northern France. The building has been evacuated. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, the 19th century crossing tower is currently being renovated. According to the fire department, however, the flames have already been smothered.

"The workers who were on the construction site reported the fire", a fire department spokesperson told French broadcaster BFM. The fire department arrived with numerous fire engines and dozens of firefighters, who reached the tower via a huge ladder - the extinguishing work has to be carried out at a height of 120 meters. There were no reports of casualties.

The 151-metre-high spire is made of cast iron, but there was great concern that the flames could spread to the wooden roof structure.

The fire is reminiscent of the fire at the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris five years ago.

(Bild: AFP/Patrick STREIFF)

Television footage showed a dark cloud of smoke rising from the top of the cathedral and people in the streets below looking up in horror.

Firefighters fight for landmark
An exclusion zone was set up around the cathedral. The population was asked not to obstruct the fire-fighting work.

Rouen Cathedral

Rouen Cathedral is considered an outstanding example of Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages. Until the completion of Cologne Cathedral in 1880, it was the tallest building in the world. It is a historical landmark that is of great importance to both believers and art lovers worldwide.

The 19th century crossing tower is currently being renovated and is surrounded by scaffolding. Rouen Cathedral is the landmark of the northern French city and was painted several times by the Impressionist Claude Monet. It is one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture.

Memories of the flames of Notre-Dame
France once again fears for a world-famous cathedral: the fire brings back memories of the fire at Notre-Dame in Paris in April 2019, which destroyed large parts of the roof truss and the spire of the cathedral, which is more than 800 years old. Fortunately, important works of art and religious relics were saved. Thanks to huge donations, the historic cathedral is currently being restored.