A fire in Copenhagen broke out during the renovation of the Old Stock Exchange, which is one of the city’s landmarks. The majestic building adjacent to the Parliament building, among others, recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of its construction. According to the latest information, the characteristic spire crowning the building collapsed onto the roof destroying it almost completely. “This is our Notre Dame,” said Denmark’s Minister of National Defence. This comparison is frighteningly apt, and not just because of the stature of the building. Almost exactly five years ago (15 April 2019) we witnessed the French cathedral fire.
Fire at the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen
The fire at the edifice was most likely caused by human error. The building has been undergoing renovations for some time and, as in the case of Notre Dame, it is very likely that the error of the construction workers contributed to the fire. Services are already on site and a firefighting operation is underway. There are no reports of casualties. Reuters reports that local media showed valuable paintings being removed from the edifice to save them from burning.
“400 years of Danish cultural heritage in flames” – wrote the Danish culture minister on social media.
The Old Stock Exchange building is located near the seat of the Danish Parliament on the island of Slotsholmen in Copenhagen. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style. It was formerly the headquarters of the Danish Stock Exchange. It now serves as the headquarters of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.
The building was commissioned by King Christian IV between 1619 and 1640.
The latest information is that the spiral spire of the building, which measured 54 metres high, collapsed. It was shaped like the intertwined tails of four dragons. In toppling over, the spire fell partly through the roof into the building. Its upper part fell into the street, taking a section of the façade with it.
Also read: Copenhagen | Denmark | History | Monument | Events | Art |
Video of the spire collapse:
🔥In Copenhagen, the world’s oldest, 400-year-old Börsen Stock Exchange
is on fire
ℹ️ The Börsen Stock Exchange is one of the oldest buildings located in the heart of Copenhagen.Its construction was completed in 1625.The stock exchange was built on the orders of Christian IV, and its main feature was a 56-metre spire pic.twitter.com/QovSHdZOqw
– Aneczka 🇵🇱 (@AneczkaKon69192) April 16, 2024
Børsen building in Copenhagen.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but, I’m sure we can take a wild guess to who would do such a thing can’t we?
Come, destroy, replace and take over, classic playbook.– Ashlea Simon (@AshleaSimonBF) April 16, 2024
🚨Breaking News🚨
After 5 years Notre Dame Cathedral burnt to the ground in Denmark the historic Børsen Stock Exchange building in Copenhagen is on fire.
Built in 1625, it’s one of the city’s most strikingly beautiful buildings with its elegant spire. pic.twitter.com/uJmUFRqe6N
– David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) April 16, 2024
