Louvre Palace, Medieval fortress and royal palace in 1st arrondissement, France
Louvre Palace is a royal residence and fortress in the 1st arrondissement of Paris that now houses the national art museum. The compound shows Gothic towers, Renaissance wings, Neoclassical facades and a modern glass pyramid, making different periods of French construction visible.
Philip II ordered the first fortress built in the late 12th century as protection against attacks from the north. Later rulers transformed the structure into a residence and added wings and courtyards, until it lost its function as a royal dwelling in the 18th century.
The name comes from Old French and suggests a wolf's den or a wooded area that once marked this district. Today visitors recognise the shift through the glass courtyard structure that joins tradition with renewal and serves as a meeting point for people from around the world.
Several entrances and elevators provide access to the collections, with the courtyard pyramid serving as the main entry. Those wishing to avoid wait times should come early in the morning or on weekdays, as visitor numbers can vary greatly.
Below the courtyard lie remains of the original castle walls and moat from medieval times, visible in a dedicated exhibition area. These foundations show the thickness and extent of the defences that once protected the city.
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