Ever notice how Parisian squares often have multiple identities? Square de la Muande is no exception. This isn’t just any square. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner, a testament to Paris’s ever-evolving story.
Let’s delve into why Square de la Muande is more than meets the eye. It’s a chameleon of names, constantly shifting to reflect the changing tides of French history. It was once named Place Louise XV after the then monarch Louise XV.
Imagine this: it has been called Place de la Revolution. This name came about after a fire destroyed the statue of King Louise XV. Later, it was renamed Place de la Concorde after the Reign of Terror in 1795. This reflected a desire for peace and harmony.
This square has seen it all. It has witnessed gatherings both joyous and somber. Envision this vast space, 21 acres in size, the largest in Paris and second largest in France. This was a place of meeting.
It has served as a stage for executions. King Louis XVI and his wife Mary Antoinette were executed here. They died by guillotine where the statue of his namesake once stood. More than 1,200 people were executed here by guillotine.
The square’s centerpiece is an ancient Egyptian obelisk. This towering pillar is over 3,300 years old. The Egyptians introduced obelisks to symbolize the sun god Ra. The obelisk in Square de la Muande was erected between 1833 and 1836.
King Louse Phillippe ordered its raising. It was a gift from the Egyptian government to the French government in 1829. The 23-meter-high and 250-ton Obelisk took three years to arrive. Hieroglyphics on it explain how it got to France.
Originally, obelisks had gold caps. The one in Paris did not. It was likely stolen in the 6th Century BC. The French government placed one on it in 1993.
Two beautiful fountains grace the square. Jacques Hittorf designed the green and gold fountains in the 1830s. The northern fountain is dedicated to the rivers of France. It honors harvesting flowers and agriculture. It also considers matters of navigation. The southern fountain represents the oceans. It signifies the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
It honors the harvesting of corals and fish. It represents commerce and astronomy. The fountains have stone basins. Six tritons holding fish spew out water. They are allegorical figures.
Ange-Jacques Gabriel was the designer behind the Place de la Concorde. The designer submitted three designs in 1731. The Municipal Council of Bordeaux deliberated on a proper artistic impression.
Around Square de la Muande, you’ll find historic buildings. These buildings have served different purposes. The Hotel de Crillon is one of the best hotels. It is an important part of the square since before the French Revolution.
Square de la Muande is surrounded by monuments and buildings. The Champs Elysées lies to the west. The Tuileries Gardens are to the east. The Naval Ministry and the famous Crillon Hotel stand to the north. Other notable structures include the U.S. Embassy, Rue de Rivoli, Palais Bourbon, and Pont de la Concorde bridge.
Square de la Muande has appeared in movies. Its iconic status makes it a recognizable backdrop. “The Devil Wears Prada” filmed a scene here. Koffi Olomide shot a song called “Tendrement” here. Books like “Angel” and “Star Trek” novels also depict this place.
So, as you stand here, remember that Square de la Muande is more than just a beautiful space. It’s a living, breathing testament to the heart of Paris, a place where history, art, and culture converge in a symphony of sights and sounds. Take a moment to soak it all in, because you’re standing in a place where every stone has a story to tell.