A fire broke out at the Palace of Versailles on Tuesday, forcing visitors to be evacuated from one of France’s busiest tourist destinations before the blaze was brought under control, Reuters reports.
The palace, built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV, was the main royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789.
“Firefighters came. There is no more smoke, no more flames and there is no damage to the collection,” the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesman, the fire broke out on a section of the roof where repair work was being carried out.
More than seven million people visit the Palace of Versailles every year. Later this summer, it will host equestrian events as part of the Olympic Games.
In 2019, a fire engulfed the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The flames engulfed the spire and nearly toppled the main bell towers. TV viewers around the world watched in horror as the medieval building burned.
