If we want to know in depth the monuments and most emblematic places of the French Revolution, we must move to France, where the main scenes of this historic event are located. The French Revolution was a turbulent period that marked the end of the monarchy in France and the rise of the Republic. Traces of this historic event can be seen in monuments, squares and buildings that played a key role in the revolution. Below, we take you on a tour of the essential places that every history lover should visit.
The Cordeliers Monastery
One of the most important places of the French Revolution is the Monastery of the Cordeliers, an ancient Gothic church located in Paris. This place had immense political significance, as it was here that the famous Club of the Cordeliers In 1789, a radical group that defended revolutionary ideals and included famous figures such as Georges Danton and Jean-Paul Marat.
The club became a space for debate for the most fervent revolutionaries. Although the building was damaged during the revolution, today it houses a permanent exhibition of photographs and historical documents, making it a must-see for those interested in the French Revolution. It is located near the Latin Quarter, Near the Pantheon.
Ile de la Cité: Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle
Another iconic site for any tour of the French Revolution is the Ile de la Cité, located in the heart of Paris, where two key buildings are located: Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle. Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the oldest temples in Paris. During the French Revolution, the cathedral was desecrated. In 1793, the revolutionaries destroyed much of its religious decoration and turned it into a Temple of Reason. Fortunately, years later it was restored, returning it to its status as a Catholic and architectural icon of Paris.
With regards to Holy Chapel, this Gothic jewel was desecrated, like Notre Dame, and transformed into an office of the revolutionary administration. Despite these transformations, both buildings still stand as witnesses to the turbulent history of Paris.
The Conciergerie and Marie Antoinette
La Concierge Service is another place of great historical importance. This building initially served as a royal palace before becoming a prison, where thousands of incarcerations took place during the period of the French Revolution, including the same Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France. It was in the Conciergerie that Marie Antoinette spent her last days before being taken to the guillotine.
Today, the Conciergerie offers visitors a unique insight into prison life during the Revolutionary years, and houses recreations of cells, including those of the most notorious prisoners. Marie Antoinette's cell is the highlight of the visit, with a detailed reconstruction of the conditions in which she spent her final months.
Concord Square
In the heart of Paris is the Concord Square, which played a crucial role during the years of the French Revolution. Originally called Plaza of the Revolution, was the place where the guillotine was installed and where some of the most notable executions of the time took place, including those of Louis XVI y Marie Antoinette.
The guillotine, a symbol of revolutionary terror, witnessed numerous executions, and its location in what is today considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, adds a significant touch to its history. The square has been the scene of several historical events, and today it is a meeting place for Parisians and tourists visiting the city.
Bastille Square
La Bastille Square It is undoubtedly one of the most representative places of the French Revolution. In July 1789, it was here that the French Revolution took place. Storming of the Bastille, an event that marked the beginning of the revolution and is celebrated as a national holiday on July 14 in France.
The Bastille prison no longer exists, but in its place stands the July's Column, a monument commemorating the Revolution of 1830. However, the square remains an important place of historical memory. Today, visitors can find information there about the role it played in revolutionary history.
Visit to the Palace of Versailles
Just 22 kilometers from Paris is the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Although famous for its opulence and as a symbol of the absolute power of the monarchy, it also has a direct connection with the French Revolution. It was here that Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette resided before being arrested and taken to Paris to face their fate.
Versailles is known as much for its gardens as for its legendary Hall of MirrorsDuring the French Revolution, the palace was a turning point in the fall of the monarchy, and walking through its halls is a reminder of the final days of royalty in France.
The Pantheon in Paris
El Pantheon The Pantheon is another iconic place linked to the French Revolution. Originally conceived as a church, this building was converted into a secular mausoleum during the Revolution, and today houses the remains of great figures of French history, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and later important figures such as Victor Hugo. During the revolution, the Pantheon was a symbol of the republican and secular spirit to which the new France aspired.
The Pantheon offers a fascinating mix of religious mysticism and republican fervour, perfectly reflecting the political changes that France experienced at that time.
These monuments and historic sites are just a few of the many corners where the living traces of the French Revolution can still be seen throughout France. Each of them tells an essential part of this momentous episode in the country's history, and although most are located in the Paris area, they are not limited to it. Visiting these places is not only a journey through history, but also a way to understand the roots of many values that France still defends today, such as liberty, equality and fraternity.