Colonne de la Déesse War memorial

Amidst the bustling energy of Lille’s Grand’Place, now known as Place du Général-de-Gaulle, rises the Colonne de la Déesse. This isn’t just a column. It’s a story etched in stone and bronze, a tribute to the city’s unwavering spirit. The Colonne de la Déesse commemorates the Siege of 1792, a pivotal moment when Lille stared down the Austrian army. Imagine Lille, a city under siege, the relentless barrage of Austrian cannons echoing through the streets. Yet, the citizens, led by Mayor François André-Bonte, held firm. Their defiant reply to the Austrian demands for surrender echoes through time: “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.” This powerful declaration is inscribed on the column’s pedestal, a testament to Lille’s unwavering resolve. Inaugurated in 1845, fifty years after the siege, the Colonne de la Déesse stands tall. The column itself, designed by Charles Benvignat, reaches a height of 12.51 meters. Atop this fluted granite pillar stands a bronze statue, a woman embodying Lille. Sculpted by Théophile Bra, she holds a boutefeu, a torch used to ignite cannons, symbolizing the city’s readiness to defend itself. Her left hand points to the inscription on the pedestal, forever linking the image of defiance with the words that defined it. Interestingly, the placement of the Colonne de la Déesse wasn’t the original plan. Intended for Place Rihour, it ended up in the Grand’Place. This change resulted in the statue’s hand being further from the inscription than intended, and facing away from the historical enemy positions. Another local anecdote whispers that the statue’s face is modeled after the wife of the then-mayor, Louis Bigot-Danel. The Colonne de la Déesse isn’t merely a monument; it’s a symbol of Lille’s enduring patriotism. It’s a gathering place, a backdrop for city life, a reminder of the courage that defines this city. The addition of the Croix de Guerre to the base, awarded after World War I, further solidifies its status as a symbol of resilience through multiple conflicts. Today, surrounded by a fountain and the vibrant energy of the city, the Colonne de la Déesse continues to inspire. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spirit of Lille, a city that has faced adversity with unwavering determination.