Picture yourself standing right here, at the entrance of Square de Port-Royal in Paris. Nestled in the 13th arrondissement, this little alleyway packs a remarkable punch. It’s more than just a street; it’s a hidden chapter in Paris’s history.
It was named after a neighboring boulevard, Boulevard de Port-Royal. Not just any boulevard, but one that got its name from the Port-Royal Abbey, an old monastery destroyed during the French Revolution. Before it was a square, the land here was a part of the Capuchin convent. This monastery later transformed into the famous Cochin Hospital, a landmark for its medical innovations.
As you walk into the Square, you’ll notice the backside of the Cochin Hospital, a testament to its long-standing presence in the city. At the end of the square, you’ll even see the back of the Port-Royal fire station. But there’s more to this alley than meets the eye. Look closely and you’ll see the walls are lined with beautiful seven-story buildings. These buildings were commissioned in 1913 to be a grand architectural statement. The plans looked promising. Fifteen buildings were envisioned, a testament to Parisian grandeur. But the dream stumbled. Construction was halted midway and the square was left unfinished , the original vision cut short.
The Square de Port-Royal is a unique blend of tradition and unfinished ambition. It’s a place that whispers stories of the past while reflecting on the dreams of the future. The quiet alley echoes with the footsteps of people from diverse walks of life, carrying with them a symphony of stories.
Think about it: you are standing on land that once housed a monastery and now stands as a silent testament to the bustling city that rises around it. Square de Port-Royal lets you step back in time and savor a hidden Parisian secret. This alley, a witness to centuries-old Parisian life, is waiting to be discovered.