Paris has many squares, among which the Place des Vosges is the oldest, most unique, and most beautiful. Located in the heart of the bustling Marais district, it is the best-preserved quadrangle architectural complex since the 17th century. It features a strict, symmetrical large square surrounded on four sides by 36 neatly arranged red-brick buildings with tall black slate roofs and elegant pavilions, while the ground floors are filled with rhythmic arcades.
The quadrangle forms a large square, with a circular fountain at each of the four corners of the shaded paths, and a majestic equestrian statue of Louis XIII standing in the center.
The Marais was once a favorite residence for kings and royalty. In 1407, King Charles VI settled in the Hôtel de Tournelles when he was in Paris, making it a favored place for the Valois kings. The beautiful Place des Vosges was built during the reign of Henry IV according to the vision of Catherine de' Medici. The architectural complex was completed on April 5, 1612, for the grand wedding of Elisabeth, sister of King Louis XIII, and the Prince of Spain. A unique jousting tournament was held here to celebrate, and the king named it the "Royal Square." It quickly became a space for royal relatives and nobles to gather. During the French Social Revolution, it was renamed the "Indivisibilite" Square, and the large statue of King Louis XIII in the center was destroyed. The name Place des Vosges appeared in 1800, named to commemorate the first province in France to pay taxes to the government, and it has remained a place where Parisians enjoy strolling ever since.
