Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Paris, which was the site of several famous events during the French Revolution. Initially constructed under the mandate of King Francis I, it remained unfinished until 1628, during the reign of Louis XIII.[1]
The original building was burned down in 1871, and was rebuilt from 1874 to 1882 following the original design, though its interior was considerably modified. The facade is decorated by busts of Paris' historical mayors.[1]
History[edit | edit source]
The Hôtel de Ville stands at the place of Maison aux Piliers in the Place de Grève, which served as the center of power for the Provost of the Merchants, a position constituted by Louis IX in 1246.[2]
Throughout the French Revolution, the edifice was known to be the location of several famous events. For example, during the storming of the Bastille, the provost of the merchants, Jacques de Flesselles, was murdered on the steps of the Hôtel de Ville.[3] Additionally, Maximilien de Robespierre utilized the building as a hideout after soldiers of the Paris Commune rescued him from execution.[4]
The Hôtel de Ville had to be completely restored after the Communards set fire to the building during their January 1871 insurrection. In the present, it serves as the official residence of the municipal government.[2]
