Description
Place de la Concorde
"Place de la Concorde" was built in the mid-18th century between 1754 and 1763 by architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel.
This large square of 84000 square meters was started as
"Place Louis XV", displaying a statue of the king. In 1790, the square
was renamed as the "Place de la Revolution".
Three years later, in January 1793, the statue of King Louis XV was
replaced by the Guillotine to execute King Louis XVI. After his execution,
another 1118 people such as Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre died the same way.
In 1795, the square took the name "Place de la Concorde", while in 1814 it became again "place Louis XV", after in 1826, it became "place Louis XVI" , and finally, in 1830 it became once again "Place de la Concorde".
Engineer Jean-Baptiste Apollinaire Lebas erected in 1836 the
obelisk from the temple of Luxor in the center of the "Place de la
Concorde".
This 23 meters high and 230 ton heavy obelisk was given to King Louis-Philippe
in 1831 by the Viceroy of Egypt.
Architect Gabriel designed the two imposing buildings on the
north site of the square as well. Besides, there is "Hotel de la
Marine" (the ministry of Naval affairs) on the right side and one of Paris'
most luxurious and exclusive hotel called "Hotel de Crillon" (The
Crillon hotel) is situated on the left side. The square is also made of two nice
fountains designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff and eight statues which represent
eight French cities (Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest
and Rouen).
Place de la Concorde in figures:
- Built between 1754 and 1763 as "Place Louis XV".
- Total of 84000 square meters.
- Renamed as "Place de la Revolution" in 1790.
- In 1793, placement of Guillotine.
- Recalled as "Place de la Concorde" in 1795.
- Then, renamed as "Place Louis XV" in 1814.
- And next, renamed as "Place Louis XVI" in 1826.
- Finally, "Place de la Concorde" in 1830.
- Erection of 23 meters high and 230 heavy Obelisk in 1836.
Opening hours:
n/a
Metro:
Concorde line 1, 8 and 12