Elephant of the Bastille

Paris, FR

Elephant of the Bastille
Elephant of the Bastille
Location
Paris, FR
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
48.85305556, 2.36916667
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Elephant of the Bastille was a monumental structure that stood prominently in Paris between 1813 and 1846, located at the Place de la Bastille. Conceived by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was intended to be a colossal bronze fountain, but only a full-scale plaster model was ever erected. This temporary edifice, standing approximately 24 meters (78 feet) tall, quickly became a distinctive, if somewhat dilapidated, landmark in the heart of the city. While no longer physically present, its story remains an integral part of understanding Parisian history and the ambitious, often unfulfilled, projects of the Napoleonic era. For those interested in historical places to visit and the evolution of urban landscapes, the Elephant of the Bastille offers a fascinating insight into a bygone era of grand imperial visions and their practical realities. Its legacy endures through historical accounts and literary works, providing a unique perspective on what to do in the area regarding its historical context, even if the structure itself is gone.

General information

The Elephant of the Bastille was a monumental structure that stood prominently in Paris between 1813 and 1846, located at the Place de la Bastille. Conceived by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was intended to be a colossal bronze fountain, but only a full-scale plaster model was ever erected. This temporary edifice, standing approximately 24 meters (78 feet) tall, quickly became a distinctive, if somewhat dilapidated, landmark in the heart of the city. While no longer physically present, its story remains an integral part of understanding Parisian history and the ambitious, often unfulfilled, projects of the Napoleonic era. For those interested in historical places to visit and the evolution of urban landscapes, the Elephant of the Bastille offers a fascinating insight into a bygone era of grand imperial visions and their practical realities. Its legacy endures through historical accounts and literary works, providing a unique perspective on what to do in the area regarding its historical context, even if the structure itself is gone.

Did you know

  • The Elephant of the Bastille was initially conceived by Napoleon Bonaparte as a bronze fountain, but only a full-scale plaster model was ever constructed.
  • It stood approximately 24 meters (78 feet) tall, making it a highly visible landmark at the Place de la Bastille during its existence.
  • A spiral staircase inside one of its legs allowed access to a small chamber in its body, which served as a guardhouse.
  • The monument gained significant literary fame by being prominently featured in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, 'Les Misérables,' as a shelter for the street urchin Gavroche.
  • Due to its deteriorating plaster condition and the presence of rats, the structure became a public nuisance and was eventually demolished in 1846.

History

The genesis of the Elephant of the Bastille traces back to 1808 when Napoleon Bonaparte decreed the construction of a colossal bronze elephant fountain at the site of the former Bastille prison. This project was part of his broader urban renewal plans for Paris, aiming to celebrate imperial grandeur. The architect Jean-Antoine Alavoine was commissioned for the design, and the sculptor Pierre-Charles Bridan created the models. While the intention was a permanent bronze structure, financial constraints and the fall of the Empire meant that only a full-scale plaster model, built around a wooden frame, was completed and erected in 1813. This temporary monument stood for over three decades, witnessing significant political changes, before its inevitable decay led to its demolition in 1846.

Cultural significance

Despite its temporary nature and eventual removal, the Elephant of the Bastille left a notable imprint on Parisian culture and memory. Its most enduring legacy is its vivid portrayal in Victor Hugo's seminal novel, 'Les Misérables,' where it serves as a symbolic dwelling for the street urchin Gavroche. This literary depiction immortalized the monument, transforming it from a decaying urban fixture into a poignant symbol of poverty, resilience, and the overlooked corners of society. Beyond literature, the elephant represented an ambitious, though ultimately unfulfilled, imperial vision, reflecting the transient nature of power and grand designs. Its presence at the historically charged Place de la Bastille also connected it to revolutionary ideals and the continuous transformation of the city's public spaces.

Geography and landscape

The Elephant of the Bastille was situated at the Place de la Bastille, a historically charged location in eastern Paris. This square occupies the site of the former Bastille prison, whose storming in 1789 marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. In the early 19th century, the square was undergoing significant transformation. The elephant, standing approximately 24 meters tall, was an imposing structure that dominated the area, providing a striking focal point amidst the surrounding urban fabric. Its location at this major crossroads meant it was visible to a broad cross-section of Parisian society, influencing the visual landscape and daily life of the neighborhood. Today, the July Column stands in its place, commemorating the 1830 Revolution, but the elephant's former presence remains a key part of the square's historical layering.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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