Right in the center of Paris, the iconic French capital, we find the Place de la Concorde. This is one of the most famous in the whole country, as well as one of the most visited by Parisians. However, the Place de la Concorde still holds many mysteries, and here we are going to discover them. Prepared? Let us begin!
When we talk about the Place de la Concorde, we must mention its very long history. In its beginnings, this was only an empty field, in which merchants occasionally settled and markets were installed.
However, when the year 1757 was running, France was going through a monarchical crisis. King Louis XV had fallen ill, and was not expected to survive. Luckily, the ruler overcame the disease, so his incredible recovery deserved to be recognized.
As a tribute, the Plaza Luis XV was created, famous for its splendor and for the equestrian statue of the king, located right in the center of the place. Over time, the square became quite popular, but its moment of greatest prominence came along with the French Revolution.
During this period, the Plaza Luis XV was renamed Plaza de la Revolución, and the guillotine was installed there, which ended the lives of many French aristocrats, philosophers and politicians. His most famous victim is undoubtedly Queen Marie Antoinette.
After the revolution, Parisian society had to rebuild itself, and to promote peace among the city’s inhabitants, the old space where kings and queens were guillotined was renamed Place de la Concorde.
In the mid-19th century, the Place de la Concorde underwent a series of renovations, which gave it its modern appearance. Despite this, the detail that makes it stand out from all the other French squares is its obelisk.
This obelisk was not the work of a Gallic architect or made with French materials, but came from Egypt, directly from the Valley of Luxor, also known as the Valley of the Kings, where many of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs are buried.
The Luxor obelisk is estimated to be over 3,000 years old, witnessing the rise and fall of Egyptian civilization. Also, this obelisk arrived in Paris as a gift from the viceroy of Egypt.
It is said that the Obelisk of Luxor took two months to reach Paris, and it took a special boat to move it. Today, it is still the central point of the square, occupying the place that previously belonged to the statue of Louis XV.
Undoubtedly the Concorde Square stands out as one of the most representative places in Paris. It has witnessed moments that have transcended in the history of France. From the square stands out its architectural harmony and the historical monuments that are in it.
Neoclassical style is arranged in an octagonal shape where the wide avenues intersect over the center of the square offering the feeling of spaciousness. The Concorde Square is an important central point that gives continuity to the Champs Elysees with the Tuileries Garden.
Among the architectural elements present in the Concorde Square is the Obelisk of Luxor to which was added in 1998 at the top a golden pyramid. The Twin Fountains located on the center of the square are decorated with figures of tritons, nereids and mythological characters.
Around the Concorde Square are eight statues on pedestals, each representing a city of France. There are Lille, Brest, Lyon, Strasbourg, Rouen, Bordeaux, Nante and Marseille.
If you are going to visit Paris, the Place de la Concorde has to be on your must-see list. Luckily, it is easy to get to, as it is located halfway between the Tuileries Gardens and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
In the square, you can see the magnificent Egyptian obelisk up close, and marvel at the imposing fountains that complement the decoration of the place.
Also, from the Place de la Concorde, you can set out on other essential visits in Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Madeleine Church and the Petit Palais.
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