Step back in time and see two of Paris's most historical monuments
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Conciergerie is the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site with a rather storied past! Located in the heart of Paris on the famous island of ‘Île de la Cité’ which is on the Seine river, and is also home to Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie is steeped in history.
The building dates back to the Middle Ages, around the 14th century, when it was originally built for King Philip IV of France as part of the ‘Palais de la Cité’ complex. Part of the build included creating what is now Europe’s largest existing mediaeval hall, known as the ‘Salle des Gens d’Armes’ which would also be used as a dining hall and could accommodate 2000 palace staff! The Conciergerie went on to become the royal residence and seat of power for the French monarch for several centuries.
During the French Revolution, in 1793, in the period known as the ‘Reign of Terror’, it was converted into a prison by the revolutionary government and it became infamous as a place where thousands of people, including prominent figures such as Marie-Antoinette and Maximilien Robespierre, were held before being tried and executed by guillotine.
They stopped using Conciergerie as a prison after the fall of Robespierre in July 1794, which also marked the end of the ‘Reign of Terror’ during the French Revolution. The Revolutionary Tribunal, which had operated within the Conciergerie, was thankfully abolished, and the building's role as a prison ended and it was then used for other purposes.
Marie Antoinette’s former prison cell has since been converted into a chapel and is now a highlight when you visit the Conciergerie.
Conciergerie was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, along with other major sites in Paris’ historical centre, known as the ‘historic centre of Paris’ listing, which includes the Île de la Cité.
With its storied past, Conciergerie is now an incredibly popular tourist destination in Paris and attracts visitors from all over the world.