“A street named after a dolphin?”. You might chuckle at the thought but Rue Dauphine indeed owes its name to a royal heir. It was named after the Dauphin, son of King Henry IV. This peculiar naming tradition, using the French word for “dolphin”, dates back to 1349. King Philippe VI bought land from the Count of Vienna. The unusual condition? All heirs to the French throne would be called “Dauphin” after the dolphin emblem on the count’s coat of arms. This street holds a unique distinction. Completed in 1607, Rue Dauphine was designed with a singular vision, a straight line cutting through the city. This was a novelty in Paris at that time. This straight path was no accident. It was meant to align perfectly with both the Place Dauphine and the newly built Pont Neuf, creating a grand spectacle of urban planning. Imagine strolling down this street in the 17th century. You would have found yourself amidst the widest street in all of Paris. Today, while no longer boasting that title, Rue Dauphine still retains its charm. The street whispers stories of revolutions and resilience. In 1792, amidst the fervor of change, it was renamed Rue de Thionville. This honored the town of Thionville and its fierce resistance against Austrian and Royalist forces. Yet, the allure of its original name proved too strong. In 1814, Rue Dauphine reclaimed its rightful title. So as you walk this charming street, remember the legacy it holds. It’s a legacy interwoven with kings and dolphins, revolutions and resilience, and the enduring spirit of Paris.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to