The outpouring of concern and dismay about the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral is somewhat puzzling. Certainly, the cathedral is one of the most significant historical monuments in Europe. But Europe pretty much abandoned Christianity decades ago. The Catholic Church continues to be hollowed out by an abuse scandal and bad leadership. It’s hard not to conclude that whatever anguish exists over the recent destruction of the cathedral might be a belated recognition of what had already happened.
It’s a symbol of France, over 800 years old. It’s an inexact comparison but imagine the outcry if Independence Hall burned.
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Its not the least bit puzzling. ND is so much more than a church/cathedral. It is an architectural wonder. It was one of the earliest uses of flying buttresses, a design form that transferred the lateral loads of the roof away from the walls. This allowed for the walls to be much thinner and much less surface area so that they could have a nave without the massive columns supporting the vaulted ceiling and roof. It also allowed for many more stained glass windows since the walls weren't bearing so much load.
As years went by many other features were added ensuring its status as an architectural museum of sorts. From the great spire to the bell towers, to the detailed statuary. It is an open history book of the evolution of building design.
Additionally, it was just as much an art museum. Some of the greatest paintings, sculptures, gold- and jewel- ordained pieces, tapestries, carvings and more. It has one the world's largest pipe organs, with over 8000 pipes.
It was the home of much of the history of France with many of the most important events of the last 600 yrs taking place there. Mary, Queen of Scotts marriage to the future King Francis, Napoleon's ordination, Joan of Arc's beatification, and many more.
But even as a Catholic cathedral, it is a statement of the power of religion that stands in contrast to the scandals that involved the church over the centuries, including the current ones. For many, it shows that Catholicism is much more than the people that lead it.
Because of all this ND is the heart of all French, not just Catholics. And it is very important to people all over the world that appreciate the art, the architecture, the history, and the symbolism. I know Protestants, Jews, atheists and others that were shocked by the fire.
I agree with your thoughts. I have others but they are test board material and I don’t venture over there.
yeah...but we saved the Rathskeller.
Saw one article that said the smoke and soot caused the bees to go into a stupor to conserve oxygen. Sorta like when a beekeeper uses a smoker to calm the bees. Also said when in danger the bees gather around the queen to protect her.
just saw this article stating the lead contamination is now a major problem and will hamper rebuilding efforts.
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
There are also hives on top of the Grand Palais; they sell the honey at local stores. Been there since around 2009 I think.
It's a really good piece. I think the biggest piece of new information is that the response was signficantly delayed because the very complex fire alarm system put out cryptic messages and the poorly trained attendant wasn't able to interpret them -- so they looked for the fire in the wrong place.
It's not really news that north tower had to be saved or its collapse might bring down the west portal (the one with the kings). That was pretty well explained the day of the fire. But the descriptions of the firefighters risking their lives to climb into the burning tower is new. It's a miracle no one died.
agreed. an excellent article (the 1st link). I posted the link before I read the article, but was amazed as I was reading the article.
I was in disbelief while reading what the firefighters did to save the north tower.
That NY Times article is one of the best interactive articles I've ever read.
Thanks for posting this Tom. Great article.
I think you're underestimating the 1) commitment of many of the firefighters, and 2) the importance of Notre Dame to Parisians and all of France.
totally agree.
In the end, we are all going to die. A firefighter dying to save something like ND is a legacy that will live on for 1,000. Nobody will know that or those FF's names, but everyone who visits ND in the year 3,000 will have them to thank. its a much better way to go then to be holed up in a nursing home for several years not knowing your kid's names.
Americans have a lot of things, but what we don't have is intrinsic adoration of architecture. I mean really what do we have? A couple buildings in DC, a couple buildings/landmarks in NYC. That's about it. Nothing with any deep history due to the relative young age of the country.
I hope the scientists can make it work. It is an amazing place.
America has nothing of deep history?
Have you seen Niagara?
Have you seen Yosemite?
Have you seen Yellowstone?
Have you seen the big hole in Arizona?
The man made stuff pales....
We have many things to cherish on this National day of celebration.
God blessed America.
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
You're not wrong, but he was talking about 'architecture' - not natural wonders.
FC- They expect the cathedral to be open on time for the 2024 olympics and have decided to restore it exactly as it was pre fire. (There was some talk of making a more modern spire after the fire).
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8508287/France-restore-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-inferno.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8508287/France-restore-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-inferno.html
Well the native Americans were inept and western culture wasn’t introduced until 400 years ago, really.
I’d submit the Statue of Liberty as our greatest man made icon. Second to that you are talking about the capital building IMHO.
Expectations and reality may be two different things. I've heard the pandemic has put them behind and there is still much work to do to stabilize the structure. But, of course, I wish them the best. I am glad I got to see it once in my life before the fire.
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
Lots of great architecture in America - just doesn't have as much history yet. Capitol and Statue of Liberty (noting less of a building a more of a monument) are two. Some others IMO:
Empire State Building
Chrysler Building
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Falling Water
Tribune Tower
The Alamo
More than five years later the great cathedral is rebuilt and about to open to the public,
French President got a tour of the restored wonder and it is magnificent. Not only rebuilt but cleaned of centuries of dirt and grime. I visited it ten years ago and it was dark and gloomy inside. These pics show a bright and uplifting scene.
French President got a tour of the restored wonder and it is magnificent. Not only rebuilt but cleaned of centuries of dirt and grime. I visited it ten years ago and it was dark and gloomy inside. These pics show a bright and uplifting scene.
Notre-Dame: Watch as Macron tours Notre-Dame for first look inside Paris cathedral rebuilt after fire
The French president praises the cathedral's restoration with the building set to open to the public on 7 December.
www.bbc.com
