Lost in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, lies Square Montholon. Forget Romeo and Juliet for a moment. Here, in this green haven, history whispers tales of statues and social change.
Square Montholon began in 1862. It was completed in 1863. Adolphe Alphand finished the construction. He was a landscape architect. He designed the square during the construction of Rue Lafayette. The project cost 160000 francs back then.
Imagine this square in Paris in the 1860s. Baron Haussmann redeveloped the city. Square Montholon became one of 24 gardens designed by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand. This is the largest park in the area.
Notice the Louis-Philippe-style fence. It encircles the square. This fence protects two terraces. Inside stands a central grass garden. The garden boasts two hundred-year-old oriental plane trees. They tower 30 meters high.
But where is the Romeo Statue you ask? It seems it’s hiding behind other stories. Let’s focus on what Square Montholon does offer. Consider the marble statuary group by Julien Lorieux. It is dedicated to young working women of the quarter. This was installed in 1925. It represents the tradition for unmarried women over 25 to wear a hat on Saint Catherine’s Day.
Sadly, not all sculptures have survived. A fountain featured a bronze sculpture. It was called “The Bear, the Eagle and the Vulture”. It disappeared during the Nazi occupation of Paris. It was melted down in 1941 or 1942. It was used for the war effort.
Look closer at the wrought iron fence. Its motifs feature hearts with interlacing patterns. These and the two plane trees are original. They remain from the square’s original design. The whole square was renovated in 1981.
Consider the variety of trees around you. There are maples, cedars, beeches and alder trees. Acacia trees also grow here. Shrubs, bushes and flowers add color. Baskets of flowers and roses bloom. Blue tits and great tits nest here.
The square provides modern amenities. There are playgrounds for children. A basketball court offers recreation. Benches invite relaxation. Public restrooms, drinking water and Wi-Fi are available. Smoking and dogs are prohibited here.
Before you leave, remember the history beneath your feet. During excavations to build the square, workers unearthed a complete mammoth skeleton.
Square Montholon echoes with the past. From mammoth bones to lost statues, it blends history, nature and community. Today, the square stands as a testament to Parisian resilience and beauty. It offers a tranquil escape in the bustling city.