Japan, Shuri Castle, symbol of Okinawa and UNESCO heritage site, destroyed by fire

Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa Island (inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2000), was almost totally destroyed during a fire that broke out at dawn. The flames engulfed the building for 10 hours before being extinguished by 100 firefighters. No casualties are reported at the moment.

Dating back to the 14th century and probably originating as a fortress, Shuri Castle was rebuilt several times over the centuries: most recently after 1945, when it was almost totally destroyed under American bombing during the Battle of Okinawa. Before that, it had been rebuilt in 1453, after the first fire that devastated it, and then again in 1660, again due to another fire, then again in 1709 (again due to flames). Throughout its history, Shuri Castle was put to various uses: barracks, school, university campus. Until it became a very successful tourist destination, the main one on the island of Okinawa. Until today’s fire.

Japan, Shuri Castle, symbol of Okinawa and UNESCO heritage site, destroyed by fire

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