Medici column

The Medici column is a monument in Paris, France, located in front of the Bourse de commerce. It has been listed since 1862 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture, and is the only remnant of the former Hôtel de Soissons.[1]

Medici column

History

The column was built in 1575 by Jean Bullant at the request of Catherine de' Medici.[2] It is believed it may be a tribute to Henri II, who was killed after a prediction was made by Nostradamus. Catherine also had a love for astrology and when Nostradamus left Paris, she asked to have the column built so that Cosimo Ruggieri could use it.[2]

Description

The fluted column is 28 meters high. Inside are 147 spiral steps which lead to a viewing platform. It used to have a glass roof. Now the platform is covered with an iron frame. The four corners of the columns top match the four points of a compass. The column was not an original part of the plan when Catherine de' Medici was planning the building of her home, Hôtel de Soissons, to which the column connected.[2]

Location
Located near the Métro stations: Louvre - Rivoli and Les Halles.

References
  1. Base Mérimée: PA00085839, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French) Ancien hôtel de Soissons
  2. Garance, Jacques; Raton, Maud (2007). Secret Paris. Paris: Jonglez Publishing. pp. 10. ISBN 2915807175.
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