Square Jean-XXIII, Urban park near Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité, Paris, France
Square Jean-XXIII sits directly next to Notre-Dame Cathedral and provides green spaces with benches and seasonal flowers. The plaza unfolds on level ground with paved pathways, framed by the cathedral's impressive architecture.
The plaza was created in 1844 after the Archbishop's Palace was destroyed during unrest in 1831. This transformation of medieval ground next to the cathedral created a new public space.
The square displays a marble bust of Carlo Goldoni and a monument to Pope John Paul II, reflecting connections between France and Italy. These artworks add layers of spiritual and artistic meaning to the space.
The plaza is accessible through multiple entrances near the Notre-Dame cloister area and easy to walk through. The nearby Metro station Cité on Line 4 offers straightforward access.
In spring, numerous cherry trees produce pink blossoms that create natural patterns on the pathways beneath the cathedral's flying buttresses. This seasonal display makes the plaza memorable during that time of year.
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