19/10/2026
🏛️ The historic 43-meter clock tower of the Hôtel de Ville de Limoges ( Ville de Limoges ) collapsed into flames during nationwide protests across France.
🤯 Did you know the town hall is literally sitting on an ancient empire? Unbeknownst to many, the town hall was constructed in 1883 directly over the underground ruins of the ancient Gallo-Roman forum of Augustoritum.
📐Masterwork of Engineering: Designed by Charles-Alfred Leclerc (chief architect of Versailles), its massive 43m belfry was engineered with heavy interior masonry piers that channeled thousands of tons of weight straight down to a granite plinth. It uniquely incorporated world-famous Limoges porcelain and colorful enamel directly into its load-bearing limestone facade.
✨A true marvel of engineering, architecture, and craftsmanship!