So sad :(

[dizzojay]

The news is breaking that the beautiful medieval cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is on fire  and the fire is getting out of contol - one of the spires has already collapsed.

Firefighters are working bravely and tirelessly to try to save it, and I hope so much they succeed in salvaging something, and most importantly stay safe.  No injury or loss of life is reported so far involving either the firefighters or the general population, and I sincerely hope with all my heart that it stays that way.

Its such a magnificent building. Although I'm not interested in the religious aspect of it, I wholly appreciate its significance to Paris, to France and to Europe as a historical icon.    The sheer potential for loss of centuries of art, literature and groundbreaking architecture, and just the great historical importance  of this gothic masterpiece breaks my heart.

Comments

[jdl71.livejournal.com]

I can't believe this.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thankfully, it seems that the outcome is not as dire as first thought.

[metallidean-grl.livejournal.com]

I just heard about this. Such horrible news. Just the loss of the ancient architecture alone. All the beautiful work that was done inside is lost. That's history going up in smoke. So so sad. I certainly hope the whole building isn't a loss.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thankfully, it looks like the Parisien Pompiers did sterling work, and the building is far more salvageable than anyone could have hoped!

[stolenglimpse.livejournal.com]

They are less and less hopeful to save any parts of it. All that will be left are the statues they took out for restoration last week if it keeps going... Devastating.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thankfully, the outcome was far more positive than we all expected! :)

[stolenglimpse.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, absolutely!!

[stir-of-echoes.livejournal.com]

It's heartbreaking :'(

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Indeed. Thankfully not a complete loss now it seems.

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

Seeing the spire collapse was heartbreaking, and the whole roof seems to have gone. One firefighter has been injured but I hope that will be it. It's terrible that a building that has stood for hundreds of years could be gone in a matter of hours, let's hope the bulk of it can be saved. Even if you aren't religious, the sheer scale. grandeur and beauty of the place was breathtaking, I loved visiting it.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

When I did my A level in art history, I chose to do an extra module on church architecture because I find it so fascinating, and Notre Dame was one of the 'churches' I studied.

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

I bet that was fascinating. Have you been there? And have you ever read Pillars of The Earth?

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

I've been to Notre Dame a couple of times, and it is truly magnificent.
I haven't read Pillars of the Earth, but I've had it recommended to me before, so I really must get round to it!

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

I'm pleased you got a chance to visit a couple of times. I can't believe how they could build such huge, high buildings with such basic tools - and no protective gear! The book really makes you appreciate the architects and builders of cathedrals even more, and the lives of all the people involved in it. I'll lend you mine on Saturday. The TV show was very good, too.

[just-ruth.livejournal.com]

CNN International is saying two-thirds of the roof is gone. The bell towers were saved, two of the three rose windows are safe because of the restoration as well as all the statues from the spire.

Our president made an unwelcome remark, which should surprise no one. All the sheer amount of wood in the roof can never be replaced.

Hundreds of people are on the other side of the Seine holding vigil and singing hymns

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thankfully the outcome has not been as dire as everyone feared!
But yes, the 1000+ year-old oak beams are gone forever, and it was interesting to hear an expert say there simply aren't trees that big in France - or indeed many parts of Europe - any more with which to replace them. Which is a very sad testament to the Human effect. :(

[sandy79.livejournal.com]

When I first read your entry, I just couldn't believe it. It was, much like the first news from 9/11, too surreal to grasp. But then I turned on the webpage of Austrian TV, and only after watching several minutes of videos from CNN my mind could understand it.

I was there as well, back in the late 1990's, and like so many people before and after me, I was blown away by the sheer beauty, by the architectural uniqueness of this monumental building. On both visits, we never made it up to one of the towers (my legs are not the biggest fans of stairs, not even back then), but just standing either out- or inside, feeling the rich history of this one building, in a city with so many historical buildings, is something you can't and won't forget for quite a long time.

My TV station also published this pic from the inside - well, there's a lot of damage, but all in all, it could have been much, much worse. And according to the same website, they managed to save the "Treasure of Notre-Dame", the crown that Jesus wore at the cross, along with a piece of wood of said cross and some of the most precious artworks.

[addicted2moose.livejournal.com]

So sad. I have never had the chance to see her in person. Of course it is never going to be the same anymore. President Marcon said that they will re-build.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

She is a truly iconic building. I'm not even religious, but the sheer amount of history of Paris and France and Europe that she represents is truly incredible. I've been lucky enough to see her several times, and she never failed to take my breath away.