Paris.
Paris is a city of beauty and wonder. As I strolled about the city, I constantly found new things which caught my gaze because of their splendor.
Hôtel de Ville.
I love the architecture found in Paris and the Hôtel de Ville was quite spectacular. It is located in the 4th arrondissement on place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville. It is the City Hall and houses the city’s local administration.
History.
It has been the headquarters for the municipality since 1357.
The original building was a mansion called Maison aux piliers “House of Pillars”. In 1533, King Francis I decided the city should have a city hall worthy of Paris. After that, the House of Pillars was torn down and the new building, which was completed in 1628, was erected.
During the Franco-Prussian War, the building played a key role in events. One of which was that the Paris Commune chose the Hôtel de Ville as its headquarters. As the anti-Commune approached the building, the Communards set fire to the Hôtel de Ville destroying almost all extant public records from the French Revolutionary period and leaving just the shell of the building.
Reconstruction.
The Reconstruction lasted from 1873 to 1892. The interior was rebuilt inside the shell. The architectural style is neo-renaissance.
According to the Paris Visitors Bureau, it is possible to set a reservation for a guided tour.
Ceremonial Doors.
Not only did the building catch my eye, but the ceremonial doors are quite spectacular. When I saw them, I knew that I needed to capture them for all the Thursday Doors fans.
I don’t read French, but I can tell that the inscription on the doors is referencing September 4, 1870, the day when the Third Republic was proclaimed.
Versailles.
This history from Versailles sheds some light on the turmoil surrounding those times. The Third Republic would be definitively established in January 1875. The establishment would come down to a single deciding vote, and three amendments later, the 1875 constitution would remain in force until 1940.
We took a day trip out to Versailles. You can find my posts from the visit to the Palace here and here. We also made sure to visit the Queen’s Hamlet.
Statues.
The statues along the building are magnificent. There were around 230 sculptors who were commissioned to produce 338 individual figures of famous Parisians, along with other sculptures.
From left to right, the best that I can read are H. Estienne, P de Viole, F. Miron, and M. Lallier.
Clock Tower.
While I didn’t have the best lens for the job, I did want to give you a closer view of the clock tower. You can also see some more of the many statues.
Facade.
The Hôtel de Ville is a very grand and extensive building. However, I didn’t want to leave you without a view of the facade. In the distance, you can see the bronze sculptures which were flanking the gates where I stood to take the photos. The sculptures are titled Art by Laurent Marqueste and Science by Jules Blanchard.
Paris Square.
The square is the oldest in Paris. This area was the principal port of Paris for centuries. From 1310 to 1832, it was Paris’s principal place of execution.
Sometimes it’s hard to fathom all of the history that took place in one location.
Today, the area is teeming with vibrant locals and tourists, all strolling along admiring the beauty of Paris.
Let your light shine!
Amy
