Pyramid of bois de Vincennes, Historical obelisk in Bois de Vincennes, France
This stone pyramid in Bois de Vincennes combines Tuscan and Rococo architectural elements, topped by a gilded bronze compass needle that serves as a directional marker. It stands at the Carrefour de la Pyramide intersection, where multiple pathways of the park converge.
King Louis XV commissioned this pyramid in 1731 to mark the reforestation of Bois de Vincennes under the direction of Alexandre Claude Lefebvre de la Faluère. The structure became a symbol of royal authority over the forest and its restoration efforts.
The monument displays French royal arms on its east and west sides, with Latin inscriptions that record the reforestation effort and the supervisor's name. These markings show how the royal family used this place to celebrate their role in restoring the forest.
The best way to reach this monument is to follow the various pathways through the park that lead to this central junction. From here, you can easily plan walks in different directions and explore various sections of the forest.
In 1799, during a mourning ceremony, the monument received a black globe inscribed with the word 'Vengeance' to commemorate the assassination of French diplomats. This symbolic gesture shows how the structure served as a focal point for expressing significant national events beyond its original purpose.
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