Place de la Bastille, Paris

Place de la Bastille, Paris

The Place de la Bastille is a historic square in Paris where the French Revolution was kicked off.

The Place de la Bastille is a historic square in Paris where the French Revolution was kicked off. The flashpoint 'Storming of the Bastille' saw the capture and subsequent destruction of the medieval Bastille prison on this site by the people of Faubourg Saint-Antoine.

At the centre of the square stands the Colonne de Juillet (July Column) which commemorates the July Revolution of 1830 and the 'Trois Glorieuses' or "three glorious" days of 27-29 July 1830 during which king Charles X was replaced by king Louis-Philippe. The 52 meter high Corinthian column has a bronze shaft with an internal spiral staircase, and is divided into 3 parts for the 3 glorious days. It is engraved with the names of the 504 victims of the July Revolution. The base has Gallic roosters at the corners, and a lion relief by Antoine-Louis Barye, along with a commemorative plaque with the inscription 'À la gloire des citoyens français qui s’armèrent et combattirent pour la défense des libertés publiques dans les mémorables journées des 27, 28, 29 juillet 1830' (To the glory of French citizens who armed themselves and fought for the defence of public liberties during the memorable days of 27, 28, 29 July 1830). The white marble base below features circular bronze medallions with bas-reliefs of the Cross of July, Medusa's head, Charter of 1830, and the Balance of Justice. The column is surmounted by a gilded globe, on which stands the gilded figure of Génie de la Liberté (Spirit of Liberty) by Auguste Dumont. The iconic figure, which was featured on 10 Franc coins, depicts Liberty with the torch of civilization in one hand and the remains of his broken chains in the other.

Around the Place de la Bastille are the Bastille Opera, Borne Timescope, Bastille subway station, and Bassin de l'Arsenal into which a section of the Canal Saint Martin flows. The perimeter of the medieval fortress is marked by a triple row of paving stones.

Lined with several cafes, bars, night clubs, cinemas, and concert halls, it is a popular spot for hanging out. It also hosts various fairs, concerts, markets, and political events.