The Bastille was a fortress and prison located at the current outlet of the Rue Saint-Antoine on the Place de la Bastille, at the limit of the 4th and 11th arrondissements of the capital.
At first simple strong house or bastide, it becomes a real castle in the city in the fourteenth century. From the reign of Louis XI, the building serves as both garrison and place of detention.
On July 14, 1789, this symbol of royal power in the center of Paris was stormed during a popular riot. The aim of the revolt is to seize weapons and ammunition (especially powder) stored in the Bastille.
The day after this historic day, the building is dismantled.
July 14, 1790, the first anniversary of the taking of the Bastille coincides with the feast of the Federation and this day will remain that of the National Day in France.
In 1792, is located the Place de la Bastille.
Several elements of the old fortress have been preserved and preserved, like its carillon which is housed at the European museum of campanaire art of L'Isle-Jourdain, in the Gers.
Unearthed during the construction of the metro, in 1899, the foundations of the Liberty Tower where the Marquis de Sade was held were transferred and restored in the square Henri Galli. In addition, wall elements are visible and exposed behind panes in the Bastille metro station (line 5).
Finally, a specific pavement on the west side of the square indicates the initial location of the fortress.
For visitors and tourists, a terminal with 3D screen installed at the corner of the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir can view the Bastille as it appeared in the fifteenth century. Price: 2 euros. Information on +33 6 80 12 89 26.
For guided visits of the district centered on the Place de la Bastille and its history, information on +33 1 49 52 42 63.
