July Column, Victory column in Place de la Bastille, France
The July Column rises 47 meters above Place de la Bastille and consists of twenty-one cast bronze drums with a white marble base. The shaft rests on a broad stone foundation and is topped with a gilded statue.
The column was erected to commemorate the July Days of 1830, when citizens rose against King Charles X and forced his abdication. This three-day event marked a turning point in French political history.
The monument displays the names of 615 citizens who died during the July Revolution, engraved in gold on its surface. These inscriptions serve as a tribute to those who fought for freedom and change.
The column base is freely accessible and offers views of the entire plaza from all sides. The best time to visit is in the morning when fewer crowds are present.
Hidden inside is a spiral staircase leading to a gallery where visitors can survey the surroundings. Many travelers pass by without realizing this internal passage exists within the monument.
Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1830s
Architects: Jean-Antoine Alavoine, Joseph-Louis Duc
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Website: https://colonne-de-juillet.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.85306,2.36917
Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:19
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It is always fascinating to think that the famous Bastille prison once stood at this location. Welcome to East Paris!
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