In France, 12th-century Catholic monastery ravaged by fire
The monastery, founded by Carthusian monks almost 900 years ago, which survived wars and revolution, burned down in a few hours.
On November 2, 2025, in the French Ardennes, an intensive fire completely destroyed the Chartreuse du Mont-Dieu. The incident was reported by the publication Tribune Chretienne. The entire building was engulfed in flames, and the roof and ceilings collapsed.
According to the fire service, the alarm signal was received around 9:30 am. Fifty firefighters arrived at the scene, but the flames quickly spread across the entire 700 square meter structure. By noon, the main fire sources were extinguished, but the building was completely destroyed.
According to the city's mayor, the cultural loss is immense. "It's a catastrophe. We couldn't save anything," she said. A safety perimeter has been established around the ruins, and specialists are assessing the risk of wall collapse.
Chartreuse du Mont-Dieu was founded in 1132 by Carthusian monks and was one of the oldest monasteries in France. Since 1946, it has had the status of a historical monument. Over the centuries, the monastery suffered destruction and restoration, remaining an important spiritual center of the Ardennes.
Local authorities and residents called the fire a heavy loss for the region. "Losing such a heritage means seeing a part of our collective memory and our Ardennes identity disappear,” reacted Patrick Fostier, a local elected official, in a message filled with emotion.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a 19th-century church was set on fire in France.
