The July Column rises from Place de la Bastille, on the site of the former Bastille prison in Paris. It commemorates the July Revolution of 1830, with a gilded figure of Liberty above a bronze shaft and decorative reliefs around the base. The square’s cafés and cultural venues make it easy to pair the monument with time nearby, including a walk toward the Marais or Port de l’Arsenal. The column is set amid busy traffic, so street approaches can give you a clearer view than the roundabout.
A monument on the former Bastille site
Place de la Bastille occupies the site of the Bastille prison, destroyed during the early years of the French Revolution. The July Column was erected in the square between 1835 and 1840 to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830.
The bronze column is 47 metres tall. A gilded figure representing Liberty stands at its summit, while decorative bas-reliefs surround the base.
Viewing the column
The monument stands in the middle of a busy roundabout, which can make close viewing difficult. The street intersections leading into Place de la Bastille provide alternative angles. From farther away, the gilded figure is the most visible detail; the reliefs at the base call for a closer look.
The square also places you near Opéra Bastille, cafés and shops, with the Marais and Port de l’Arsenal nearby for a longer walk.
FAQ
What does the July Column commemorate?
It commemorates the July Revolution of 1830.
What is at the top of the July Column?
A gilded figure representing Liberty stands at the top.
Where is the July Column?
It stands in Place de la Bastille, on the site of the former Bastille prison in Paris.
