Place de la Concorde

The Place de la Concorde, known as Place Louis XV before the French Revolution, played a significant role in numerous events throughout this transformative period. Located in Paris between the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden, this public square witnessed some of the Revolution's most defining moments. Originally constructed to honor King Louis XV, the square was renamed multiple times as political regimes changed. 

Throughout the Revolution, Place de la Concorde became widely notorious for its association with the guillotine. This execution device was introduced on 25 April 1792 as a more humane method of capital punishment. The square itself saw the grim spectacle of several high-profile executions. Perhaps the most infamous were those of King Louis XVI (on 21 January 1793) and Queen Marie Antoinette (on 16 October 1793). The site gained further notoriety during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794), orchestrated by the Committee of Public Safety under Maximilien Robespierre, where large numbers of perceived enemies of the Revolution were executed.

The square also underwent several changes in name reflecting shifting political tides. From Place Louis XV, it was renamed Place de la Révolution during the early years of the Revolution. In 1795, after the fall of Robespierre and the establishment of the Directory, the square acquired its current name, Place de la Concorde, intended to symbolize peace and reconciliation after the period of extreme violence.

Noteworthy secondary developments included the placement of the Luxor Obelisk (a 23-meter (75-foot) column gifted from Egypt) in 1836, well after the Revolution. This artefact, while not directly related to the Revolutionary period, aimed to transform the square from a site of bloodshed into a symbol of historical continuity and cultural grandeur.

Throughout these tumultuous years, the Place de la Concorde remains emblematic of the radical changes that characterized the French Revolution. It combines historical significance with the evolving memory of collective trials endured by Paris and its citizens during the late 18th century.

• The Place de la Concorde was originally named the Place Louis XV in honor of King Louis XV but was renamed during the Revolution in 1795 to signify unity and harmony after years of turmoil.
• This grand square, which measures 8.64 hectares, is the largest in Paris, designed with a layout that embodies principles of classical architecture and symmetry.
• During the Revolution, the Place de la Concorde became infamous as the site of numerous guillotine executions, with over 1,200 people, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, meeting their fate here.
• Interestingly, the obelisk in the center of the square is a gift from Egypt (it was brought to Paris in 1836) and stands at 23 meters tall; its presence hints at the French fascination with ancient civilizations during that era.
• Following the fall of Robespierre in July 1794, the Place de la Concorde saw a dramatic shift in sentiment and was symbolically transformed from a site of justice (or execution) to one of public celebration for the new government.
• The square features fountains inspired by those in Italy and is adorned with statues representing the French cities—illustrating how the Revolution aimed to unify the nation's diverse regions under a common identity.