Le passage du Saumon, Historical marker in 2nd arrondissement, Paris, France.
Le passage du Saumon was a covered passageway in the 2nd arrondissement connecting Rue Montmartre to Rue Bachaumont through multiple galleries. The remaining structures retained protected architectural status and eventually became known as Passage Ben Aiad.
Built in 1763 by entrepreneur Rondel, it originally featured four interior passages. Most of the structure was demolished in 1899 during urban development, though certain sections survived.
The space once held a ballroom that became a theater in 1848, where French actress Rachel taught her first classes. This transformation shows how the location became part of Paris's theatrical and artistic scene during that era.
Visitors can trace the path of the former passageway by walking between the two streets where it once connected them. The surviving architectural features are accessible on foot and protected as of 1997.
Ottoman general Mahmoud purchased the passage in 1853 after noticing its resemblance to the bazaars of Tunis. This observation led to its later renaming as Passage Ben Aiad, reflecting the location's international character.
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