Audio GuideFontaine des Mers

The Fountain of the Seas stands majestically in Place de la Concorde in Paris. Constructed in the early nineteenth century and completed in eighteen forty, it exhibits a classical style with impressive figures and intricate ironwork. The transformation of the square was led by the architect Jacques Ignace Hittorff during a decade when Paris was transitioning from its revolutionary era to a phase of modern sophistication. Hittorff aimed to create a space that celebrated France’s rich history and its naval achievements.

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The fountain is adorned with enormous statues symbolising the Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and various elements of marine life, such as fishing for coral, pearls, and shellfish. These figures pay tribute to maritime exploration and convey a sense of movement, capturing the essence of France's historical naval triumphs. The statues were animated by detailed casting techniques, while additional decorative elements, like rostral columns crowned with ship prows, serve as reminders of Paris’s deep connection to the sea.

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Over the years, the Fountain of the Seas has featured in films and popular culture, making it a focal point of history and art that continues to inspire Parisians and international visitors alike.