History of Place de la République

As you stroll along the Place de la République, have you ever wondered about the history of this great Parisian square, and especially of its impressive monument at its center?

Originally, the Place de la République was just a small Parisian square. In the 19th century, however, it became a major Parisian transport hub (as it still is today!) and took the name Place du Château d'Eau after the Fontaine du Château d'Eau, installed on the square in 1811. This fountain, deemed too small, was later moved to the La Villette slaughterhouse-market to serve as a drinking trough for cattle.

Shortly afterwards, in 1854, the Place du Château d'Eau was laid out by Baron Haussmann as part of his grand plan to reshape Paris under the Second Empire. Haussmann created a large rectangular square, razing several theaters on the Boulevard du Temple to the ground. Architect Gabriel Davioud created a new fountain adorned with eight bronze lions, which was also moved - to the Place Félix Eboué in the 12th arrondissement.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 16 - 22, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings
• Free museums and monuments this Sunday: places to visit in Paris on January 5, 2025
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings

In 1879, the square was definitively renamed Place de la République in homage to the values of the Republic. To mark the occasion, an architectural competition was organized to erect a monument to the grandeur of the Republic on the square. The competition was won by the Morice brothers, who created the 25-meter-high bronze Monument de la République. It was inaugurated on July 14, 1883, France's national holiday!

During the Occupation of Paris, the Germans housed their troops in the barracks on Place de la République. It was the last German stronghold to be retaken by French resistance fighters and soldiers, on August 25, 1944!

In 2013, the Place de la République underwent a complete makeover. The Mairie de Paris (Paris City Hall) has chosen to give pride of place to pedestrians, skateboarders and cyclists, reducing the area for cars. It's now the perfect place to host aperitifs with friends, events and open-air concerts. A favorite spot for families and night owls, Place de la République has plenty to offer for your summer evenings.