A silent sentinel watches over Lille’s bustling Grand Place. This is the Stèle commémorative, a monument that breathes with stories of courage and resilience. The Stèle commémorative, also known as the Colonne de la Déesse, stands tall in the heart of Lille. It commemorates the heroic resistance of the city during the 1792 siege by Austrian forces. Inaugurated on October 8, 1845, this monument is more than just stone and bronze. It embodies the spirit of Lille.
The Stèle commémorative depicts a woman, a symbolic representation of Lille itself. She wears a crown of towers and clutches a boutefeu, a device used to ignite cannons. Her other hand points to an inscription on the column’s pedestal. This inscription bears the defiant words of Mayor François André-Bonte, refusing surrender to the Austrians on September 29, 1792. The statue, a creation of sculptor Théophile Bra, captures the strength and determination of the city’s people. The column itself, designed by architect Charles Benvignat, is made of fluted granite. It stands upon a pedestal adorned with inscriptions. These inscriptions recount the key moments of the siege. One side proclaims, “We have just renewed our oath to be faithful to the Nation, to maintain Liberty and Equality or to die at our post. We are not perjurers.” Another commemorates the lifting of the siege on the night of October 7-8, 1792.
Interestingly, the statue atop the Stèle commémorative was originally intended for a different purpose. Bra designed it to represent Lille on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. When that plan fell through, he offered the plaster model to the city. Years later, it found its perfect home, immortalizing the spirit of Lille. The Stèle commémorative has witnessed much history since its inauguration. It was once surrounded by a circular fence and four candelabras. In 1900, a plaque was added, paying tribute to the people of Lille in 1792. During World War I, the German occupiers removed the Austrian mortars that flanked the column, intending to melt them down. After the war, the monument received the Croix de Guerre, recognizing Lille’s bravery during the bombardments and occupation. More recently, a fountain and circular basin were added in 1989. Today, the Stèle commémorative remains a powerful symbol of Lille’s indomitable spirit. The “Goddess” of Lille, as she is affectionately known, continues to inspire. She serves as a reminder of the city’s unwavering courage in the face of adversity.