When we last covered the super interesting Medici Column we got to thinking. What other columns or point of interest were worth strolling over to check out? Luckily (or unluckily, if you have less than enough time to stroll) it didn't take us long to stumble into Place de la Bastille and the glorious (wait for it) Colonne de Juillet...
People often get confused that this striking monument is a testament to the French revolution of 1789 (and P'Niche gets it as this is located in the Place de la Bastille).
However, this slender pillar was, in fact, erected to honor les Trois Glorieuses - The Three Glorious Days (July 27-29, 1830) that saw the final fall of King Charles X and ushered in the July Monarchy of Louis Philippe - a pivotal moment that we will share soon (we hope you will subscribe to join us back in the Parisian Niche...
In fact, the circular basin that we see today is a remnant of a previous plan - The Elephant of the Bastille (which was designed to be a fountain with an elephant as it's central focus). And why not?!
Deigned by Percier and Fontaine, it was set to be composed of bronze and was never completed due to overstretched finances in lean times of the Empire. Money issues - talk about the elephant in the room (gong!)
These days, a stunning column rests atop a pedestal atop that circular stand.
Commissioned by Louis-Philippe himself, the construction was overseen by architect Jean-Antoine Alavoine.
Louis Philippe placed the foundation stone personally, on July 28 1831, exactly one year to the day of his ascension to power.
As you stand before the July Column, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the triumphant events that unfolded here.
The echoes of revolution reverberate through the air, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of the people who fought for freedom and justice.
Blending art and history together seamlessly, this pedestal shares the Three Glorious dates, with swags floral swags. On another side of the pedestal, you can see a gorgeous bas relief of the Paris motto "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur"
Foundationally, a columbarium contains the bodily remains of 615 victims of the Revolution. Truly, each detail tells a story, each block and curve a testament to the resilience and determination of the French people.
Okay, we've finally reached the actual column!
Composed of twenty-one cast bronze drums, this formidable structure weighs in at over 74 tons. She is 47 meters (154 feet) tall.
She stands upon the white marble base which is heavily decorated with bas reliefs (designed by Antoine Louis Barye). Of these, the lion and the rooster are the most popular among visitors.
Engraved in gold all around the column are the names of those who perished during Les Trois Glorieuses - stamped forever into the archives of time and history.
Glorious indeed!
Perched at the apex of the column is a simply unmissable gold gilded statue. He is Le Génie de la Liberté (that's the Spirit of Freedom to you and me. Mimicking Giambologna's famous Mercury statue, he carries the torch of civilization and the remains of his former chains. He also wears a large star on his head, which Gustave Flaubert harkened to a large golden star, shining in the East. This image was on the former French currency - specifically, the ten franc coin.
Did you know, you can even visit the crypt below the column? It's rather stark and minimalist but well worth a look.
Lasting 90 minutes, you can book this €15 tour (in French only) most weekends and info can be found here.
Note: the column is not open for climbing...
Ready to plan your visit? Glorious!
La Colonne de Juillet
Place de la Bastille (75011)
Métro: Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8)
Bus: Bastille (Lines 20, 29, 65, 86, 87)
There are no set daily hours for viewing the stature, and unless booking a preset visit, there is no cost associated with the column.
What say, P'Nicher? Have you seen this important monument in person already or are you now adding it to your list of must sees? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
uh, oh, you've stirred my imagination again. Merci beaucoup!