Cultural and Historic Heritage Losses in the World: 2025 List
This article presents a compilation of fires and other causes of loss of historic or cultural heritage buildings that have been reported online. While the list does not purport to exhaustively capture all the losses that daily diminish the historic and heritage patrimony, it serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to cultural heritage and the multifaceted factors that contribute to the severe and frequently underappreciated phenomenon of its destruction.
October, 1 – Fire at the victorian historic landmark in Harleston, South Norfolk (UK)
On the evening of October 1, 2025, St John the Baptist Church, a Victorian historic landmark in Harleston, South Norfolk, was the scene of a significant fire. Six fire crews, including units equipped with an aerial ladder platform and a water carrier, were deployed to tackle the blaze, which originated in Broad Street. Smoke from the blaze prompted public health advisories for residents to keep doors and windows closed.
September, 28 – Attack and arson to church in Grand Blanc – Michigan (USA)
An attack hit a Mormon church where multiple victims were reported after a shooting and fire. Police confirmed that the shooter is down, and there is no further threat to the public. Nine people were injured in the attack, while the church building was set on fire and remains ablaze.
September, 18 – Fire destroyed historic mansion in Bolu (Türkiye)
A significant fire erupted late at night at the historic three-storey Keyvanlar Mansion situated in the Seyrancık neighbourhood of Mudurnu, Bolu. The wooden structure of the mansion served as a fuel source for the flames, which rapidly spread throughout the entire building. After several hours of valiant efforts, the fire was successfully contained and prevented from spreading to adjacent properties. The mansion sustained complete destruction, leaving only remnants of its former glory behind. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the underlying cause of the fire.
September, 8 – Historic Singha Durbar Palace destroyed during unrests in Kathmandu (Nepal)
In response to similar unrest in Bangladesh and Indonesia, Nepal’s unrests resulted in the damage caused by arson of the historic government palace. Constructed in 1908, the palace initially served as a small private residence but grew larger during construction. The palace compound was occupied also by both chambers of the Parliament of Nepal.
September, 8 – Probable arson at Guingamp basilica (France)
The Guingamp basilica was the victim of a probable arson attack in its oratory during a mass, damaging a statue of the Virgin Mary. If confirmed the deliberate cause of the event, this is the third arson in ten years, following those of 2015, 2021, and 2025.
August,30 – Vandalism at museum in Jakarta (Indonesia)
Following public demonstrations on August 30, 2025, the Bagawanta Bari Museum in Kediri sustained significant damage. Among the affected collections were the Head of Ganesha statue, traditional Wastra textiles, and antique books, with some items missing. The miniature rice barn exhibit was severely damaged, but the Ministry’s conservation staff successfully salvaged the Bodhisattva statue and inscribed bricks containing ancient mantras.
August, 28 – Fire destroyed a Historic building in Nainital (India)
A devastating blaze engulfed the 162-year-old “Old London House”, a colonial-era wooden residence in Mallital, Nainital, resulting in the tragic death of its 82-year-old occupant. The fire erupted at approximately 9:45 PM possibly due to an electrical short circuit during welding repairs. Despite a 40 emergency personnel, 17 water tankers response and support from Army and Air Force units, the blaze was controlled only after nearly four hours.
August, 25 – Wildfires Threaten Heritage Sites in Spain
The devastating forest fires that ravaged Spain in August 2025 not only destroyed homes and natural habitats but also profoundly impacted the memory and heritage of numerous Spanish towns. Notably, a wildfire in León province posed a significant threat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Medunas. In the village of San Vicente, Ourense, Galicia, the fire completely destroyed the church, a prominent landmark of the community.
August, 19 – Wildire Destroys Abandoned 1700 Mansion in Liverpool (UK)
A major fire has severely damaged Woolton Hall, a Grade I-listed manor house in Liverpool, built in 1704. The building, which has served various roles—including as a hotel, army hospital, convent, and school—had been abandoned for about 20 years. Firefighters were alerted to the blaze shortly after 8pm on Tuesday, August 19, and by 11:30pm, nine fire engines were on the scene. The roof was largely destroyed, and people were advised to avoid the area. The building appears to be in private ownership but has long stood vacant.
August, 12 – Fire Destroys Historic Church in Tepelenë (Albania)
The Orthodox Church of Saint Elijah in Lekël, located in the Drino Valley in Albania, was engulfed in a fire, likely caused by the widespread wildfires affecting the region. The church is classified as a Category II cultural monument
August, 12 – Fire at Hotel in Droitwich (UK)
The Raven Hotel in Droitwich a listed building dating back to the 15th century, suffered a devastating arson attack. Despite the collapse of much of the structure, experts believe some parts, such as beams, pillars, and load-bearing masonry, can be recovered. The owners and authorities are considering a controlled demolition of the most damaged sections to secure and restore the remaining intact historic parts. The case underscores the vulnerability of abandoned historic buildings to arson and accidental hazards. Any restoration plan should include temporary protection measures, rapid intervention protocols with the Fire Department and local authorities, and structural protection strategies for the oldest and most delicate parts.
August, 8 – Fire at the Cathedral of Cordoba (Spain)
Firefighters in Córdoba, Spain, successfully saved the historic cathedral. Flames and smoke billowed from the iconic building, built as a mosque on the former Visigothic Basilica of San Vicente and then turned into a church again. Several Spanish media outlets believe a “sweeping” machine ignited the fire around 9:00 p.m. However, by 10:30 p.m., firefighters reported that the fire was “under control. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, although several news outlets have suggested that a mechanical sweeping machine initially caught fire inside the cathedral.
August , 5 – Historic Synagogue Severely Damaged by Drone in Odessa (Ukraine)
The Odessa Jewish community has strongly condemned Sunday evening’s drone attack by Russian forces. The attack resulted in significant damage to the city’s historic Old Peresip Synagogue, which caught fire.
July, 31 – Six Blocks Building Damaged by Fire in Rochester – NY (USA)
At 10:30 p.m., a fire engulfed the vacant former Tent City building complex in Rochester. The intense nature of the fire caused a substantial portion of the building to collapse before firefighters could extinguish the flames. Over 60 firefighters were dispatched to assist in the firefighting efforts. Two exterior brick walls also collapsed. Nearby residences sustained external damage from the radiant heat, but no injuries were reported. The city promptly assessed that all six buildings were structurally compromised and commenced demolition operations the following morning.
July, 27 – War Damages to Preah Vihear Temple (Cambodia)
In the context of armed clashes on the Cambodian-Thailand border, the Cambodian government has accused Thailand of deliberately causing severe damage to the historic temple of Preah Vihear, which is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
July, 24 – Wildfire Destroys the Agios Ioannis the Russian Church in Limassol (Greece)
The small historic church of Agios Ioannis the Russian in the village of Vouni, Limassol (Greece), has been reduced to ashes after being engulfed by the wildfires that swept through the area during an 40C heatwave.
July, 23 – Fire at Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church in Paris (France).
A fire erupted on July 23 in a small room of the Notre-Dame-des-Champs church, situated on Boulevard du Montparnasse in Paris. Notre Dame des Champs, an iconic Catholic church situated in the Parisian district of Montparnasse, was the target of an arson attack just 24 hours after an accidental fire erupted in its choir loft. The origin of the initial fire, which occurred on the morning of July 23, has been attributed to a malfunctioning electrical circuit, resulting in the destruction of the church’s sound system and choir organ, as reported by Le Figaro. The following day, in a side chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, vandals set fire to wood panels. A recently renovated canvas situated above the wood panels sustained substantial damage. Additionally, a statue of St. Joseph fell and shattered while firefighters extinguished the flames. This incident has prompted concerns regarding the frequency of fires and attempted arson cases in French churches, with The Tablet noting that there have been “50 fires or attempted arson cases” in French churches in the past year, compared to 38 in 2023. “This second fire has caused further damage,” Father Camille Millour, the pastor, expressed in a July 25 statement on the parish website following the second incident, which occurred on the afternoon of July 24. Millour acknowledged that an investigation is currently underway and expressed gratitude to the first responders for their prompt assistance..
July, 20 – Probable Arson Severely Damaged Germany’s Largest Wooden Church
In the early hours of Sunday, July 20, 2025, fire broke out in the historic Marktkirche zum Heiligen Geist in Clausthal‑Zellerfeld—the largest wooden church in Germany, and a national cultural monument since 2005. Authorities have launched an investigation into suspected arson. A suspect was briefly detained but released due to insufficient evidence.
July, 17 – Historic Church Destroyed by a Lightning in Saint-Ours (Canada)
A fire, likely triggered by lightning, completely destroyed a 19th-century church in Saint-Ours during Thursday’s thunderstorms. The mayor of the town, in Montérégie County, told that he was in his kitchen, a few streets away from the church, when he saw three flashes of lightning followed by powerful claps of thunder around 6:15 p.m. Shortly afterward, a column of smoke rose from the church, followed by flames.
July, 9 – Reports of Damage to Church ruins in Taybeh, Israel, revealed to be untrue
A brush fire in the Palestinian village of Taybeh has drawn condemnation from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem for alleged attacks that occurred on July 7 near the cemetery and the historic Church of St. George. According to subsequent reports, the historic remains were not directly damaged by the fire, the origin of which is unclear.
July, 9 – Wildfire destroyed Historic lodge in Grande Canyon (USA)
A fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 4 burned for over a week along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim levelled a historic lodge. The fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, cabins, employee housing, and a wastewater treatment plant.
July, 8 – Gangs Reduce to Ashes Historic Hotel in Port-au Prince (Haiti)
Haiti’s iconic Hotel Oloffson, a 19th-century gingerbread mansion, has been reduced to rubble in the latest wave of gang violence plaguing Port-au-Prince. The Hotel, a haven for artists, writers, musicians, and foreign dignitaries, had endured dictatorships, coups, and natural disasters.
July, 8 – 17 Historic Sites Damaged in a Single Attack in Kharkiv (Ukraine)
The strike struck the historic district and a densely populated residential area. The epicentre of the strike resulted in the serious damage of four historic buildings. Cracks ran through the walls, floors, and some walls were warped. Two houses even caught fire. Five other buildings had their roofs destroyed, while most suffered broken windows and minor cracks in their decorations.
June, 23 – Fire Destroys city’s oldest Mill buildings in Manchester (UK)
On Monday 23 shortly after 4:30pm over 100 firefighters have been deployed to fight a blaze that led to the partial collapse of the Victorian structure of Historic Hotspur Press. Crews battled the inferno through humid and challenging conditions late into the night. The fire spread to adjacent buildings, forcing the evacuation of around 180 residents from nearby apartment blocks. While one building has since reopened, the other remains closed while safety assessments continue. The fire was so huge to disrupt public transport.
June, 23 – Kyiv Polytechnic’s Sports Center Destroyed by War Acts (Ukraine)
The State Emergency Service (SES) has been engaged in rescue operations at the scene of a Russian strike on Kyiv, which has resulted in the complete destruction of the historic Igor Sikorsky building at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, founded as the Kiev Polytechnic Institute of Emperor Alexander II on 31 August 1898. Preliminary reports indicate that there are no reported casualties. The impact of the strike has been recorded in five locations within the Solomyanskyi District. The Kyiv City Military Administration has reported damage to a business centre and an educational institution in the vicinity.
June, 17 – Fire Destroys Castle in Brabant (Belgium)
On the night of June 17, 2025, the Château de la Bacquelaine, an iconic historic monument in Walloon Brabant, was completely destroyed by a fire of exceptional severity. Despite the rapid and massive response of the firefighters, the widespread blaze made entry impossible, forcing rescuers to operate from the outside. The wooden floors and beams, characteristic of this type of old building, allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Both wings of the château, as well as the adjoining garages, were completely destroyed. By the next morning, there was a significant risk of collapse, and the damage was considerable. Beyond the material loss, the tragedy took on a human dimension with the discovery of the charred body of the owner, an 83-year-old Swiss businessman. The investigation favors the possibility of a deliberate act, an element that further complicates the analysis of causes and post-disaster management.
June, 15 – Fire in Historic Town of Villingen – (Germany)
In the picturesque town of Villingen-Schwenningen, situated in Baden-Württemberg, a devastating fire engulfed the historic district, causing severe damages. Six buildings were engulfed in flames, with two structures sustaining such extensive damage that they partially collapsed. Firefighters valiantly battled the inferno for several hours, and as the situation unfolds, the extent of the damage is becoming increasingly evident.
June, 11 – Probable Arson at the Saint-Pierre Church in Pontlevoy (France)
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in the mid-afternoon, the alarm sounded in the Saint-Pierre Church in Pontlevoy. A fire broke out, causing significant smoke release. Despite no major damage, an investigation is underway. Firefighters responded due to the historic monument’s significance. The fire started on a curtain near the sacristy and spread to the floorboards and chairs. No injuries were reported. A witness who alerted the emergency services after attempting to extinguish the fire suggested arson.
June, 10 – Fire near Temple in Seoul (South Korea)
A fire broke out in a building on the Jogye Temple grounds in Seoul, but was extinguished before reaching the temple or the Central Buddhist Museum. Nearly 300 people were evacuated, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
June, 10 – War Crime to Historical Cathedral in Odessa (Ukraine)
During Russia’s war against Ukraine, on June 10, 2025, in Odessa, the Holy Wisdom Cathedral, also known as St. Sophia, was damaged by some of the drones that were launched against the Ukrainian city.
According to the Catholic Review website, “Ukrainian Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi said a blast damaged the cornice on the main apse of the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as the mother church of all Christians who trace their roots to ancient Rus, Catholics and Orthodox.“
June, 7 – Earthquake Damages to Mount Athos Monasteries (Greece)
The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck the Mount Athos peninsula in Greece on June 7 caused structural damage to the ninth-century monasteries built in the area (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Although the damage was not severe, the quake will require repairs.
June, 7 – Laerdal Historic Town Damaged by a Fire (Norway)
A major fire has severely impacted Lærdal, a historic mountain village in Western Norway, renowned for its exceptionally preserved wooden architecture. Known for its 18th- and 19th-century Hanseatic-style buildings, Lærdal has long been recognized as a cultural treasure. The town’s urban layout—characterized by densely arranged wooden structures—reflects its historical role as a key inland port on the Sognefjord.
June, 1 – Breda Historic Building Damaged by a Fire (Netherlands)
In the early hours of June 1, 2025, a devastating fire destroyed the Landhuis Burgst, a historic 18th-century villa in Breda, the Netherlands. The fire broke out at around 2:30 a.m. on the ground floor of the building, while 18 people, including the owner, his family and migrant workers, were inside. Fortunately, everyone was able to evacuate safely, but the structure was completely destroyed.
April – Glen Rosa Island Fire (UK)
In early April 2025, the spectacular valley of Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, was the scene of a devastating bushfire that destroyed a decade of conservation efforts, raising significant concerns about protecting natural heritage in areas prone to similar risks.
March, 6 – Arnhem Historic Centre Damaged by a Fire (Netherlands)
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a town-scale evacuation was initiated at around 7:00 am in the city center of Arnhem (Netherlands) due to a fire that broke out at around 3:45 am in a shop on Jansstraat, which quickly spread to other historic shops and buildings.
March – Fire Damages to Uiseong 7th century temple (South Korea)
In March 2025, southeastern South Korea experienced a series of wildfires of unprecedented scale and destructiveness. Originating with over a dozen ignitions on March 22nd and 23rd, these fires rapidly expanded, ultimately becoming the largest and deadliest on record for the country. One of the most significant losses was the ancient Gounsa Temple in Uiseong, dating back to 618 AD, which was razed, along with Unramsa Temple (the national treasures housed in the temple had been relocated earlier). Other vital cultural assets, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Andong Hahoe Folk Village and the Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, were also at risk. The destruction of sites like Unramsa Temple highlights severe damage to Korean culture and underscores the need to understand the mechanisms of ignition and spread for future mitigation.
March, 28 – Temples destroyed by Earthquake in Bagan (Myanmar)
On March 28, 2025, a powerful earthquake (7.7 M) struck the city again, but even after several days, it is unclear how extensive the damage to historical heritage in Myanmar was. The event, which killed dozens of people, had its epicenter in the Mandalay region of Myanmar. According this AP post, dated April 10, 2025: “The earthquake destroyed 48,834 houses, 3,094 Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, 2,045 schools, 2,171 departmental offices and buildings, 148 bridges and 5,275 pagodas, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, citing Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, the vice chairman of the ruling military council.” In the former capital Inwa (previously Ava), according Wikipedia ” 75% of the historical structures in the former royal capital were damaged, including pagodas and temples“.
February, 26 – Arson attack at Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers Church – Saumur (France)
The Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers church, a jewel of Saumur’s religious heritage, in Maine-et-Loire, was the victim of an arson attack on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Saumur firefighters responded around 6:45 a.m. to control the fire, which was concentrated on the main wooden door of the church. The fire destroyed the door but did not cause major damage to the interior of the building. The works of art were preserved, there were no injuries, and the construction site is intact. A ventilation operation was necessary to evacuate the smoke that had seeped into the nave. The previous July a fire broke out on the site following welding work on the roof
January – Severe Wildfires damages to Historic Buildings in Los Angeles (USA)
On January 7, 2025, devastating fires started in Los Angeles county, with the Eaton Fire killing five people and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Officials estimated that nearly 180,000 residents were evacuated due to the fires in Los Angeles County. Firefighters faced a shortage of personnel and resources, with approximately 2,500 firefighters battling the Eaton and Palisades fires. The situation was exacerbated by a lack of water at some higher elevation fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades. In this context, historical and heritage sites have suffered severe damages. Also several places of worship have been destroyed or severely damaged by the fires.
