A colossal bronze Marianne stands tall. She is the heart of Place de la République. This isn’t just any square. It’s a place steeped in Parisian history.
Place de la République wasn’t always called that. Before 1879 it was known as Place du Château-d’Eau. This was because of a beautiful fountain. Girard designed the fountain. It was installed in 1811. The fountain wasn’t large enough for the growing city though. So it was later moved. You can now see it at La Villette.
The square’s current form is thanks to Baron Haussmann’s transformations. He redrew Paris in the 1860s. Haussmann created a large rectangular space. He incorporated parts of the Boulevard du Temple. He even demolished many theaters along the Boulevard du Temple. A planned municipal orphanage never materialized.
The current monument to the Republic is quite impressive. The Morice brothers created it. Leopold sculpted Marianne. Charles designed the impressive base. The bronze work was done by Thiébaut et Fils. It was unveiled in 1883. Marianne stands 9.5 meters tall. The entire monument is 15 meters high.
The square has always been a central point for Parisians. It hosted the Carnival of Paris parades in the 19th century. Imagine the crowds. In 1895 the gigantic statue of the Republic was even swarmed by people. They climbed onto the pedestal the arms and even the head.
During World War I a shell from the Grosse Bertha exploded in the square. In World War II the Caserne Vérines housed German troops. It was the last German stronghold in Paris. On August 25 1944 it surrendered to Resistance fighters. The square continues to be a focus for gatherings. Demonstrations and memorials have taken place there. The 2015 terrorist attacks prompted a period of remembrance.
Place de la République is more than just a square. It is a stage for history a symbol of French ideals. It is a location where past and present meet.