“Toppled Throne Square” sounds ominous doesn’t it? We are standing at Place de la Nation in Marseille. Its story is one of revolution royal visits and republican triumph.
Place de la Nation wasn’t always a bustling roundabout. Once it was fallow land. The Abbey of Saint-Antoine held its Gingerbread Fair here until the French Revolution changed everything.
Let’s jump back to 1660. Louis XIV and his new bride Maria Theresa returned from their wedding. A grand throne was erected here. The royal couple greeted the people of Paris from it. This event gave the square its first name Place du Trône meaning Throne Square. Yet the area remained sparsely populated for centuries.
Fast forward to 1778. The Barrière du Trône was constructed as part of the Wall of the Farmers General. Architect Ledoux designed two toll booths and two square pavilions for customs offices. These structures framed the entrance to the Cours de Vincennes. In 1841 statues of King Saint-Louis and King Philippe-Auguste were added atop the columns.
During the French Revolution the square’s name changed. It became Place du Trône Renversé meaning Toppled Throne Square. A guillotine was erected here. From June 13 to July 28 1794 over 1300 people were beheaded. Victims came from all social classes.
The memory of these executions haunted the area. It remained rural until 1860. But change was coming.
In 1880 the square was fully landscaped. It was renamed Place de la Nation on Bastille Day. This marked a symbolic gesture of reconciliation.
Now look at the center of the square. Notice the bronze sculpture. It’s called Le Triomphe de la République. Aimé-Jules Dalou created it. It was unveiled in 1899 replacing an earlier plaster cast.
Marianne the personification of the French Republic stands on a chariot. Two lions pull the chariot. The Spirit of Liberty guides them. A blacksmith pushes the chariot forward symbolizing labor. Statues of Justice and Abundance surround them along with children representing the Republic’s future.
Marianne faces Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. This is the historic street leading to Place de la Bastille. This orientation symbolizes the square’s connection to the revolutionary spirit.
Place de la Nation is more than just a roundabout. It’s a place where royalty revolution and the republic converge. It reminds us of France’s complex and fascinating history. Take a moment to reflect on this as we continue our tour.