Architect: The restoration of the cathedral in Nantes will take at least three years

Paris – The restoration of the Gothic cathedral in the French city of Nantes, which was damaged by fire over the weekend, will take at least three years. This was reported today by the Reuters agency, citing statements from chief architect Pascal Prunet. The damage caused by the fire has not yet been calculated, so it is also unclear how much the reconstruction might cost.

"The western facade has suffered significantly," evaluated the condition of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul today restorer Valérie Gaudard. According to her, the fire completely destroyed the large organ, a painting by Hippolyte Flandrin from the 19th century, and some stained glass windows from the 16th century. However, experts are still determining the exact extent of the damage to the temple. The rare tomb of the cathedral's founder, the Duke of Brittany Francis II, and his wife Margaret of Foix, has been successfully preserved according to the restorer, although it was significantly damaged by the water used during firefighting.

According to chief architect Prunet, repairs will last at least three years. Workers are already securing the cathedral, attaching a net to the facade that should catch any falling stone elements. During the repairs, the church could remain partially accessible to the public, according to Gaudard.

It is currently unclear how much the overall repair will cost. The prefect of the Loire-Atlantique department, where Nantes is located, Claude d'Harcourt, said today that in addition to state funds, he is counting on starting a public fundraising campaign and hopes for the "generosity of citizens."

Flames appeared inside the late Gothic cathedral shortly before eight in the morning on Saturday, firefighters brought them under control during the afternoon and completely extinguished them by evening. Authorities have initiated an investigation due to suspicions of arson, as investigators found three different fire points during the initial examination. However, on Tuesday, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the fire was deliberately set.

The fire at the cathedral in Nantes has triggered memories of the fire that damaged the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris last April. The damage to the temple in the French capital is much greater. The entire timber structure with the roof and spire burned down. President Emmanuel Macron promised that the restoration of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame would be completed within five years.