Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
The facade of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Nantes bears no trace of it.
Only the high gates and the white tents that have blocked access for two and a half years provide information on the extent of the work in progress.
On Saturday July 18, 2020, at 7:30 a.m., the fire started from three homes far from each other.
The flames rise and pierce the rose window.
In two hours, the hundred firefighters dispatched to the scene brought the fire under control.
The great organ with 2400 pipes, dating from 1672, completely melted, polluted the nave with lead.
A painting by Hippolyte Flandrin also burned.
Since then, heavy repair work has been carried out by the State, under the aegis of the regional directorate of cultural affairs (Drac), already costing 24 million euros.
The cathedral is supposed to reopen “partially to the public” at the end of 2024,
“We have lost part of the religious heritage of Nantes”,
deplores Father Hubert Champenois, ex-rector…
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 83% left to discover.
Want to read more?
Unlock all items immediately.
Without engagement.
TEST FOR €0.99
Already subscribed?
Login
