A temple dedicated to friendship hides here. The Place de l’Amitié may seem unassuming. Yet, it holds a unique Parisian secret. We are standing before the Temple de l’Amitié. It translates to the Temple of Friendship. It is a monument steeped in history and legend.
The temple is in the northern corner of a plot of land. It stands at 20 Rue Jacob. It is a short distance from Rue Visconti. The temple is invisible from the street. You cannot view it from Rue Visconti or Rue Jacob.
The Place de l’Amitié is more than just a physical location. It is a symbol. The temple’s story is filled with romanticism. Some thought the temple was for Adrienne Lecouvreur. It was rumored that Maréchal de Saxe built it for his mistress. However, this is likely false. Adrienne Lecouvreur lived at a different time.
Records show the temple’s existence around 1820. Nicolas Simon Delamarche owned the land then. He had no record of the temple in 1809. Pierre Champion states the temple dates back to the First Empire.
The architecture embodies a neo-classical style. A portico with four Doric columns marks its facade. The words “A L’AMITIE” are inscribed. This translates to “To Friendship”. Inside, a round room awaits. A zinc cupola covers the room. Light filters through an oculus. The floor has a striking parquet design.
What is the meaning of the letters “DLV” on the temple? Some think it is connected to the Freemasons. The temple’s design and layout echo those of masonic lodges. Nicolas Simon Delamarche was indeed a Freemason. Still, the connection remains unconfirmed. Others suggest DLV means 555 in Roman numerals.
The Temple de l’Amitié faced demolition once. Plans to extend Rue de Rennes threatened its existence. Thankfully, the extension never happened. Later, architect Maurice Berry proposed a public garden. The temple would have been in the center.
Natalie Clifford Barney, an American heiress, leased the property in 1908. She transformed it into a renowned literary salon. Intellectuals gathered here. Colette, Proust, and Hemingway were among them. Barney created an atmosphere of creativity. Her friend Remy de Gourmont nicknamed her “The Amazon.”
Barney hosted garden parties and masked balls. The Temple de l’Amitié became a backdrop for her gatherings. It served as a space for intimate conversations.
After the 1950s, the temple fell into disrepair. Neglect took its toll. In the 1960s, a scandal erupted. Michel D, a former Prime Minister, bought the property. He planned to turn the temple into a studio apartment. This sparked outrage. Preservationists fought to save it.
Though “restored,” the Temple de l’Amitié lost some charm. The demolition of a neighboring building changed its setting. The site was less secluded. Despite this, the Temple de l’Amitié remains. It stands as a testament to friendship. The Place de l’Amitié embodies Paris’s hidden stories. It invites us to reflect on friendship’s enduring power.