Bastille, France

Bastille in France is one of the popular Tourist Attractions in France. Bastille was a prison and was formally known as the Bastille Saint- Antonie. The beginning of the French Revolution was marked by the storming of the Bastille and the event was commemorated a year later. The national holiday of France is celebrated on July 14th every year and is commonly known as Bastille Day in English.

Bastille in France was originally built between 1370 and 1383 during the rule of Charles V and Charles VI. The purpose of Bastille was to serve as a fortress and protect the city against Anglo-Burgundian forces during the Hundred Years War. Bastille in France is a four storied building located at the eastern main entrance to medieval Paris. There are 8 towers which are closely spaced and surrounded by two courtyards and an armory. The names of the 8 towers are Tour de la Chapelle, Tour du Coin, Tour du Puits, Tour de la Bertaudière, Tour du Trésor, Tour de la Basinière, Tour de la Liberté and Tour de la Comte.

The outer stone walls of the Bastille in France are thick at the base and were pierced by slits which threw light on the cells. The Bastille earlier had entrances on three sides but these were subsequently reduced to one in 1580. This was created by a drawbridge over a moat winding towards the river and leading to the outer courts. This led on to a second drawbridge which was wound by a defended passage that led to an outer entrance opposite the Rue des Tournelles.

The Bastille until the 17th century was used for two purposes, primarily as a castle and also for the safekeeping of royal treasure. The royal fortress was converted into a state prison for the upper class by Cardinal Richelieu (under King Louis XIII). The prison was mostly used for people who committed a mistake or some offense against the King or the state. In addition to this, religious prisoners, overtly sexual writers and political prisoners were housed here.

Sightseeing in France is never complete without a visit to the Bastille. For more information on other tourist attractions visit France Travel Guide.