mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A renovation accident has caused a severe fire inside the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. An attempt to put out the fire has not begun. This Cathedral construction began hundreds of years ago. Journalists placed in Paris, claim there was no high alert to fight the fire. The building is engulfed in fire, and it appears it is unable to be saved. Only the building frame will survive. This is not a terrorist act. It is a renovation accident that caused the fire. 13 million tourists visit this Cathedral annually. Uhh members, who took photos of this Cathedral, while visiting Paris, have photos that won't be replicated.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I am watching this on TV horrified. Only the stone will survive. The spire is collapsed, the roof is on fire, none of the contents are likely to be saved, including priceless artworks and artifacts. A sad loss for Paris and the world.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No words...............

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Yes, Paris is weeping. It's amazing how fire can be so destructive. It took hundreds of years to build it. And fire took it down in hours.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

They started building it a 1,000 years ago ----
What a tremendous loss to the world!!!

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

Wow,what a disaster.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

What terrible news.

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

OMG! The most revered catholic church after the St. Peter's Basilica. So many history happened at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. One of the must-see places not only in Paris but the whole of France. We were there in 2015. Had solemn memories of the Notre Dame Cathedral. A magnificent icon of France. A big loss. I am terribly sad; virtually in tears.

A few photos of Notre Dame during our visit and some historical facts:
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The "Crown of Thorns" is kept in the Cathedral which was acquired by King Louis IX of France in 1239; Coronation of Napoleon was held in 1804; Magnificat for Paris Liberation held on 8-26-44.

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The twin towers are 200 ft high and 387 steps.

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Construction started in 1163 and completed in 1365.

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The 13-ton Emmanuel Bell is in the south tower. Photo below, some of the religious arts.

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Inspired Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," 1831.

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Seine River near Notre Dame. 13 Million visitors annually.

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rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

CNN is showing lights from men up on one tower trying to do something to help

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Did someone actually see the fire start?

CNN is reporting attempts to fight the fire, but say its location makes fire fighting difficult.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Thanks for the historical information, and the beautiful photos you posted. Negligence, is most likely the cause of this horrific fire. Rebuilding would cost billions in dollars. But, if the whole world donated funds. It could be accomplished. This Cathedral had a grand spectacle, as compared to the Egyptian Pyramids. Because of the time and manpower spent, to complete the work. You don't have to be a Catholic, to appreciate the beauty of a Cathedral.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

This is a terrible loss of an iconic and historic structure, for France, Paris, and Catholics. It took about 200 years to build, and in about 3 hours now, it is destroyed and gone forever. Not just the building, but all of the irreplaceable historical items inside of the Cathedral that can never be replaced.

So many historical events took place there, from Henry VI of England crowned as King of France, the coronation ceremony of Napoleon I, the funeral mass of Charles de Gaulle, it survived WWII, and a bombing attempt in 2016, and now it is reduced to rubble and ruins by an accidental fire that is said to have started in a construction area inside the Cathedral.

Here is a photo of the fire today taken by LeLaisserPasserA38, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_talk:LeLaisserPasserA38

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mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Fire fighters had a meeting with President Macron of France, and he was told they cannot put out the fire.

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Very nice photos, Sunnely. My wife and I have been there some years ago. What a tragedy!

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Thanks, RR.

I'm still stunned. We enjoyed Paris so much especially Notre Dame that we vowed to return someday. Now that Notre Dame gone, the probability of returning just plummeted to slim to zero. Glad we have some memories of this iconic place.

Here's a couple more photos:
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In front of church doors

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Facade above doors

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Inside church

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Doubting Thomas poking Jesus' side. Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

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In a Cafe near Notre Dame having beverage, looking at the map, and...

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...watching people go by.

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