What secrets does this seemingly forgotten stone structure hold? This is Bastion n°1 de l’enceinte de Thiers. It stands as a silent witness to a Paris of the past.
Bastion n°1 is a remnant of the old Thiers Wall. The wall was constructed between 1841 and 1845. It is located in the 12th arrondissement.
Imagine Paris in the 1840s. The city was growing. It needed protection. Prime Minister Adolphe Thiers initiated a massive project. This project was the construction of a new defensive wall. The enceinte de Thiers would encircle Paris. It would be a 34-kilometer ring of stone and earth. Ninety-four bastions like this one were built.
Bastion n°1 was strategically positioned near the Porte de Bercy. It stood next to Bastion n°2. The purpose was to protect the city from invasion. The walls were protected by a 50 meter wide ditch. An exclusion zone of 200 meters was added for further protection.
Now, picture the scene in 1919. World War I had ended. Paris was changing again. The Thiers Wall no longer served its purpose. The city decided to dismantle it. Most of the bastions were torn down. Yet, Bastion n°1 survived.
Why was Bastion n°1 spared? Some say it was overlooked. Others believe it was used for storage. Whatever the reason, it remained standing.
In 1970, Bastion n°1 was listed as a historical monument. This act ensured its preservation. In 1987, it was fully dug out after being partially buried.
Today, Bastion n°1 is located below the Boulevard Poniatowski. Rue Robert-Etlin curves around it. Though surrounded by the modern city, it offers a glimpse into the past.
Imagine soldiers standing guard here. They were vigilant against potential threats. Think of the sounds of construction. They were building the wall. Hear the rumble of demolition as other bastions were destroyed.
Bastion n°1 stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It evokes images of war and peace. It whispers tales of urban development. This old bastion has seen Paris transform. It has been witness to history.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. This is Bastion n°1. It is a unique survivor. It is a testament to Paris’s ever-evolving story. This bastion is a link to the past.