Audio GuideConciergerie
Gothic, riverside fortress & French Revolution prison, housing Marie Antoinette's former cell.
Museum
Paris, France
Welcome to the Conciergerie, a historic landmark on the Île de la Cité in Paris. Once a royal palace that served kings like Philippe the Fourth, this impressive building later became a prison during the French Revolution. Its Gothic arches and rugged stone walls speak of medieval craftsmanship and royal elegance.
Notice the distinct structures such as the Clock Tower, the Tour Bonbec, and the towers of César and d'Argent. These towers have watched over Paris for centuries, silently marking the passage of time. Inside, large halls like the Salle des Gens d'Armes and the Salle des Gardes were spaces for knights and royal guards and today invite you to explore their storied past.
During the turbulent times of the Revolution, the Conciergerie became known as a grim detention center. Here, thousands of prisoners, including the famous Marie Antoinette, were held and condemned before their execution. Now, the museum offers thoughtfully recreated cells and exhibits, such as the Hall of Names that lists countless individuals tried by the revolutionary tribunal.
Located at two Boulevard du Palais in the first arrondissement, this monument illustrates Paris evolving from its ancient Gallo-Roman roots to a medieval stronghold and later a stage for revolutionary change. A visit here offers a direct glimpse into the dramatic layers of French history.
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