Bastille

The Place de la Bastille is located in the 11th district of Paris, not very far from Place de la République. Under Louis XI reign, Bastille was a prison. The ancient fortress of the Bastille used to be located on the square. This state prison was invaded on July 14th 1789 and destroyed by the revolutionaries. During the storming of the Bastille in the XVIII century, Parisian people freed prisoners and today this monument is a symbol of Revolution. Besides this event marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The area is a symbol of French history and remnants of the old fortress can still be seen in the cobblestone of the “Place”, or square. In the centre, around 1860, the July Column was built to mark the overthrowing of the monarchy of Charles X. Mounted on top of the column is a golden sculpture, the “Spirit of Freedom”, commonly known as the “Angel of the Bastille”. The site is not open to the public. Another imposing figure standing on the square is the Bastille Opera, built by the architect Carlo Ott. It was unveiled for the 200th Anniversary of the French Revolution on July 14th 1989: The Bastille Day. The national Bastille Opera as well as the Palais Garnier, are major players on the international opera scene. Bastille also hosts numerous concerts and markets, as well as trade union and political demonstrations. Close to the square, is the charming Port de l’Arsenal for pleasure boats, with its barges, small boats and gardens, which links the River Seine to the Saint-Martin canal. On the other side is the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. Lined with trees, the Boulevard is often brought to life by a big market along the canal. Over the years this district became one of the most fashionable and famous places in the city. Bastille metro connects with some of the best places of the capital. The night-life here is well-known, thanks to many bars and nightclubs strung between the Rue de Lappe, the Rue de la Roquette and the Faubourg Saint-Antoine.