La+Conciergerie

La Conciergerie was a French prison that became the main detention center during the French Revolution, along with the installment of a Revolutionary courtroom. It’s located on Ile de la Cite in Paris. Even though it’s close to the Palace of Justice, it still became a prison in 1391. La Conciergerie housed the French kings until the 14th century until they moved to the Louvre in 1358. The prison is famous for its role during the French Revolution in 1789.

During the time of French Revolution, specifically in 1793 and 1794, people were sentenced to death and confined at La Conciergerie. Many people were sent to Place de la Concorde, where they were then beheaded. The most famous person to be detained in this prison was Marie Antoinette. She had been the Queen of France since 1744, the sister of the king of Austria, and was born an Austrian princess. Sadly, she was one of the people to be beheaded because of many charges including incest.

La Conciergerie is also famous for having the first public clock in Paris called 1370 clock, built in 1350 and 1353. The tower that houses the clock is the tallest of three towers, being 47 meters high.

Visiting La Conciergerie is a great example of gothic architecture and a huge part of French history. With an admission fee of 8.50 euros you can see the remains of Marie Antoinette's prison cell, the medieval hall, the clock tower and many more fascinating things.