There was a tragic fire yesterday evening in Warsaw’s Kamionek district. The fire consumed a unique monument – the wooden bell tower at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory. The structure was about two centuries old and was one of the oldest preserved monuments in this part of the city.
The fire broke out at around 5.15 p.m. in the Kamionkowski Cemetery, 365 Grochowska St. The fire very quickly engulfed the centuries-old wooden structure. An intensive firefighting operation lasted for more than two hours, after which the services proceeded to secure the scene. The scene was also inspected by the police, who do not rule out deliberate arson. A significant part of the building was destroyed, with around 75% of the wooden facade and the entire roof burnt off. Despite the huge losses, the steel frame structure and two bells survived, one of which dates back to 1772. Their survival was made possible by reinforcements carried out during earlier restoration work.
The belfry was built in the 19th century (it is said to have been built in 1817, although this is not certain) and was an integral part of the church complex at Corpus Christi parish. Due to its history and unique two-storey wooden architecture, it was one of the most valuable monuments of right-bank Warsaw. Representatives of the Mazovian and Capital City Conservator of Monuments were present at the site from the beginning of the campaign. Fortunately, a detailed technical and conservation documentation of the building was carried out a few years ago, which provides a viable basis for its future reconstruction.
Source: Mazovian Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer, Capital City Historic Preservation Officer
Read also: Sacral architecture | Architecture in Poland | Monument | City | Warsaw
