Local authorities confirmed that a significant fire has engulfed the spire of Rouen Cathedral, an iconic Gothic masterpiece in the French city of Rouen, prompting an urgent evacuation.
Images released on X vividly depict dense black smoke billowing from the upper reaches of the cathedral, where scaffolding and a canopy were positioned atop the towering structure, standing approximately 150 meters (495 feet) tall.
Fire officials swiftly sprang into action to contain the blaze, and reports confirmed that it had been brought under control. Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol addressed the media, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the fire’s origin and affirming that “all available public resources” have been mobilized in response to the emergency. As fire brigade chief Stephane Gouezec detailed in statements to local news outlets, a team of about 70 firefighters and 40 fire engines were deployed to battle the flames.
According to updates from the prefecture, the Our Lady of the Assumption cathedral was promptly evacuated, and a security perimeter was established around the site to ensure public safety. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed no casualties were reported, though the extent of damage sustained by the historic building remains unclear.
The fire was initiated at the tip of the spire, which was composed of metal rather than wood, shedding light on the initial stages of the incident. Rouen Cathedral, immortalised in numerous artworks by the 19th-century impressionist Claude Monet, has been undergoing extensive restoration. Its construction spans over nine centuries, with portions of the cathedral dating back to the 12th Century, as highlighted on its official website.
The French Impressionist painter Claude Monet created a series of exceptional paintings depicting Rouen Cathedral. Known for his fascination with light and atmosphere, Monet embarked on a groundbreaking exploration of the cathedral’s facade, capturing it under varying weather conditions and times of day.
Monet’s interest in Rouen Cathedral began in the early 1890s when he visited the city in Normandy. He was captivated by the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, with its soaring spires and intricate stone carvings. More importantly, he was intrigued by the interplay of light and shadow on the facade, which changed dramatically throughout the day.
Instead of painting the cathedral as a static architectural subject, Monet aimed to capture its dynamic presence in different lights and weather conditions. He executed this by painting the cathedral multiple times, often from the same vantage point but at other times of day. His goal was to convey the cathedral’s ephemeral beauty and the fleeting effects of light.
Monet’s approach was revolutionary for its time. He employed loose brushwork and a vibrant palette of colours to create atmospheric effects, emphasizing the cathedral’s form and texture through his distinct Impressionist style. His paintings of Rouen Cathedral are characterised by their luminous quality, where the play of light and colour becomes the primary subject matter.
The paintings, completed between 1892 and 1894, comprise over thirty canvases. Each artwork captures a unique moment, showcasing Monet’s keen observation of nature and ability to translate fleeting impressions onto canvas. The cathedral’s facade serves as a canvas, reflecting the changing moods of the sky and surroundings.
Between 1876 and 1880, Rouen Cathedral was the world’s tallest building. This incident evokes poignant memories of the devastating 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, significantly damaging its iconic wooden roof frame. After extensive rehabilitation efforts spanning years, Notre Dame is slated to formally reopen in December, underscoring the ongoing efforts to preserve France’s invaluable architectural heritage.
Rouen Cathedral was formerly known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Rouen (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen). Its history spans centuries of architectural evolution and historical events. The cathedral’s origins date back to the late 4th Century when a church dedicated to Saint Mellonius, the first Bishop of Rouen, was established on the site. Construction of the current cathedral began in the 12th Century during the Romanesque period, with the choir and ambulatory completed around 1150.
By the 13th Century, Rouen Cathedral transitioned to Gothic architecture. The nave, transepts, and other Gothic elements were added, showcasing pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and expansive stained glass windows. Innovative techniques like flying buttresses supported the soaring heights and vast windows typical of Gothic cathedrals. Rouen Cathedral is renowned for its imposing dimensions. With the spire, it stands approximately 151 meters (495 feet) tall. Its facade features intricate stone carvings and sculptures depicting biblical scenes and saints.
It also houses notable tombs, including that of Richard the Lionheart, King of England.
Over the centuries, Rouen Cathedral has undergone various restoration projects to preserve its delicate stained glass windows and Gothic architecture. Today, it remains a prominent landmark in Normandy, attracting visitors worldwide who admire its splendour and cultural significance.
As an active place of worship and symbol of Rouen’s architectural heritage, Rouen Cathedral is a testament to medieval craftsmanship, architectural innovation, and enduring cultural importance in Europe.