Paris: Republic Square and its history

Paris is famous for its sights, and the Republic Square is one of many. It is located away from the main popular places and tourist routes, but invariably attracts tourists. Recently, the city authorities have reconstructed it, and now it is the pedestrian zone that adorns Paris.

Republic Square

In the 14th century the Temple Gate was located on the Square. But gradually the territory of the city increased, and the borders were all moving away. It's hard to believe that where the city center is now, the city walls once came to an end.

Prior to its reconstruction, the Republic Square was a quiet place that arose on the site of the fortress wall and the castle of the Templars. The castle is a tower with thick walls. In 1307, the general arrests of the Templar knights began, and the castle took over the possession of the French kings until 1808. In this year he was destroyed by Napoleon. He also began to decorate the square, built fountains. It should be noted that not only the area has changed, but the whole of Paris.

The Republic Square in the 18th century became the center of theatrical life. Next to it appears at once two theaters: Historical and Fünambül. It was here that the world-famous image of the sad Pierrot appeared.

In the 19th century, the Square was expanded, the houses that stood nearby, including theaters, were demolished. The square was decorated with two fountains. At present, they were transferred to different parks.

In 1854, due to part of the Boulevard du Temple, the Republic Square was enlarged. Paris was rebuilt in the same year by the Prefect of the Seine Department, Baron Osman. The reconstruction of the square was more for military purposes than for civilians. On the Square, soldiers were taught to march. Instead of the demolished buildings, barracks were built.

At the same time, the boulevards that were built on the Square were rebuilt. Baron Osman assumed that in case of hostilities, direct boulevards would be convenient for shooting, and not the old winding streets with which Paris is famous.

The Republic Square is surrounded by shops, cafes and a very interesting architectural ensemble, which consists of palaces.

This landmark often becomes a place of protest actions. Because of this, there are traffic jams on the road, but usually drivers support protesters, who often collect the area of the Republic.

Paris (France) has a very rich history. For a long time the country was going to become a free republic. Therefore, the Parisians are very sensitive to any attributes of their freedom, and throughout France you can find many relevant attractions. The one in Paris is one of many.

Monument to the Republic

France experienced three revolutions. At first the monument was made of gypsum, it appeared on the Square in 1880. But three years later it was cast from bronze. The symbol of the French Republic Marianna stands on a pedestal made of stone. She holds in her hand an olive branch that symbolizes the world.

At her feet are three women, symbolizing the Brotherhood, Equality and Freedom - the motto of the French Revolution. The pedestal depicts important events in France with dates.

The monument was made by the brothers Maurice.

Updated Area

In 2012, the renovation of the Republic Square began. This idea has been brewing for a long time already, we can say, since 1854, when they began to rebuild Paris. The Republic Square is on the border of three districts, which makes it lively. Crossing several inhabited houses, bus routes and a metro station created a huge cross-country. Since there were no safe passageways, it was not uncommon for accidents.

After carrying out repair works the Monument to the Republic remained in its place, and the Square itself was transformed. Now you can safely walk and relax. There were places for recreation and fountains, cafes, a children's playground and footpaths.

Also planted many trees, the shadow from which harbors the entire Republic Square. Paris due to the reconstruction of the territory, too, has changed, and it has a new place for quiet walks. The terraces on which it is comfortable to sit are built, and a small pond around the statue of the Republic. Now the monument can be approached calmly, and in fact more recently it was surrounded by traffic.

Earlier, there were motor roads that skirted the Republic Square along the perimeter. Now it is completely pedestrian zone.

Interesting Facts

In 1835, in the area of the Square, an attempt was made on the king. The unknown gathered a strange design of about 25 pistols and shot a royal procession. But the king remained alive, only his retinue suffered. The unknown man could not escape from the crime scene, and he was caught. Subsequently, the murderer was not executed.

In 1838, one of the founders of the art of photography, the artist Louis Daguerre, for the first time managed to capture a person on the film of the camera. It's hard to see, but if you look closely at the photo, you can see a man with a raised leg.

How to get there

Near the square there is an exit to the metro station "Respublika", on it five lines intersect. There are also sightseeing buses. Nearby there are public transport stops.

A little tip: if you go by taxi, you need to specify which area of the Republic in Paris is needed. In the suburbs there are a lot of the same areas.

The French are very fond of their capital and are proud of their Republic.