Bastille in Paris - Facts about the famous spot

After the defeat of the French at Poitiers in 1356 during the 100 year war with England, there was need for a stronghold to protect Paris from invasion. Construction of the Bastille started in 1370 and was completed in 1382. It had 4 meter wide walls and eight 22m high towers.

Bastille was later converted into a prison by Richelieu. Most of the prisoners were enemies of the king, sent to prison by a simple order under the king's seal. There were many infamous inmates such as Voltaire, Fouquet and Sade. The Bastille had a terrible reputation, but in reality there were few prisoners and the treatment was better than in most prisons. However, the Bastille became a symbol of the arbitrariness of the monarchy.

On the 14th of July 1789 the Bastille was stormed by a crowd reinforced with a rebellious detachment of the National Guard. The few guards soon surrendered, and the 7 prisoners were freed. The capture of the Bastille marks the start of the French Revolution. It is celebrated each year as the Bastille Day, which was also declared the French national holiday in 1860.

Two days after the crowds had captured the Bastille stronghold, orders were given to demolish the building. A marking in the Boulevard Henri IV shows where the former building was located. Some stones of the foundation are visible in the Bastille subway station.

The square of the Bastille was created later, in 1803. It included a fountain in the shape of an elephant, which is referred to by Victor Hugo in his novel “Les Misérables”. The high fountain was removed in 1847. The only monument still standing on the square is the Colonne de Juillet, a column commemorating another revolution in 1830 during which king Charles X was replaced by king Louis-Philippe. The 52 meter high column honors the 504 victims during the 3 days of the revolution. Another 196 victims of yet another revolution were added to the crypt in 1848. The column is topped by the “Spirit of Liberty” statue.

Place de la Bastille