In Nantes in Western France, a fire broke out in the Cathedral of Peter and Paul – one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the country

Photo: Johanna Rolland / facebook.com

Nantes Cathedral built for 457 years, from 1434 to 1891. Prior to this, in the same place were three more of the temple – chapel of the early Christian Roman III century, the Cathedral of VI century and the Cathedral in the Romanesque style of the XI century

Photo: Johanna Rolland / facebook.com

In Nantes in Western France, a fire broke out in the Cathedral of Peter and Paul – one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the country. Nantes Cathedral built for 457 years, from 1434 to 1891. Prior to this, in the same place were three more of the temple – chapel of the early Christian Roman III century, the Cathedral of VI century and the Cathedral in the Romanesque style of the XI century, reports “Interfax”.

The fire became known at 7:44 (8:44 Moscow time). The fighting was attended by about one hundred firefighters. By 10:30 fire managed to be localized, so that it has not shared the fate of the Notre Dame Cathedral, severely injured during a fire in 2019. However, lossless is still not done: burnt on.

“The damage affected a large organ, which is probably completely destroyed. The platform on which it is located, is very unstable and threatens to collapse”, – told reporters the head of the fire service of the Department of the Loire-Atlantique General Laurent Verl.

Construction of the Cathedral was not materially hurt. Firefighters confirmed that the framework structures the fire is not affected. The police completely cordoned off the quarter to prevent a congestion of people. In Nantes headed by the Prime Minister of France Jean Castex, the Minister of internal Affairs Gerald Darmanin and culture Minister roselyne Bachelot. The President of France Emmanuel macron expressed in the Twitter words of support to the firefighters.

“After Notre Dame burned the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in the heart of Nantes. Support our firefighters who risk to save this Gothic gem of the city of the Dukes” – wrote the head of state.

The Prosecutor’s office of Nantes began an investigation into the fire. Prosecutor Pierre Sennes stated that in the Cathedral there were three fires, which may indicate deliberate burning. One hearth was found near a large organ, the other two right and left of the nave, reports BFMTV.

The representative of the national Federation of the fire service of France Alexander Jassar noted that the first considered version of the problem with the electricity, but after the discovery of several fires was “obvious that there was something shocking”, reports radio station France Bleu. The Prosecutor’s office of Nantes opened a case of arson, the investigation conducted by the judicial police.

Experts said that the current fire is not worth it compare with the fire in Notre Dame, nor with the fire of 1972, which severely damaged the roof of Nantes Cathedral and it had to close for a three-year renovation. Burned then replaced the wooden floors with concrete.

The Cathedral of Nantes to six meters below the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the height of the nave, under the arches surpasses it. It is the largest Gothic Church in the old Brittany.

UPDATE – The fire in the Cathedral in Nantes, France is still not under control as 60 firefighters rushed to the scene. #France #Nantes #Incendiepic.twitter.com/Lwz544Hqqi— ISCResearch (@ISCResearch) July 18, 2020

La #cathédrale en feu. À #Nantes l’histoire se répète… soutien à nos pompiers. pic.twitter.com/vEn40edZgL— Frédéric Vasse (@fredericvasse) July 18, 2020