Terribly sad day for Paris, and the world.
Trying to keep some positive perspective on this. Cathedrals like Notre Dame are typically made out of stone, which can usually survive a fire pretty well. Notre Dame had been undergoing a very extensive renovation, which is - sadly - often a recipe for disaster. Welding torches and thousand-year-old wood ceilings are a bad mix.
Things to be concerned about: Despite the stone fabric of a cathedral, they tend to be packed with priceless artefacts that don't react well to fire. Tapestries, pews, organ pipes. stained glass, rood screens, etc. etc. There is a priceless, irreplaceable treasure trove of religious and cultural artefacts that will probably be destroyed.
On the flip side.... 21st century man can work miracles of restoration if it sets its mind and energies to it. I was recently in Dresden, marvelling at the Frauenkirche's restoration from the utter devastation it suffered from Allied bombs during WWII.
People of Paris: We are with you. We will help you rebuild.
Trying to keep some positive perspective on this. Cathedrals like Notre Dame are typically made out of stone, which can usually survive a fire pretty well. Notre Dame had been undergoing a very extensive renovation, which is - sadly - often a recipe for disaster. Welding torches and thousand-year-old wood ceilings are a bad mix.
Things to be concerned about: Despite the stone fabric of a cathedral, they tend to be packed with priceless artefacts that don't react well to fire. Tapestries, pews, organ pipes. stained glass, rood screens, etc. etc. There is a priceless, irreplaceable treasure trove of religious and cultural artefacts that will probably be destroyed.
On the flip side.... 21st century man can work miracles of restoration if it sets its mind and energies to it. I was recently in Dresden, marvelling at the Frauenkirche's restoration from the utter devastation it suffered from Allied bombs during WWII.
People of Paris: We are with you. We will help you rebuild.