Place des Terreaux

The Terreaux is a rectangular square in the center of Lyon, at which important public buildings like the Town Hall and the Palace of Saint -Pierre, today's Musée des Beaux -Arts are located. In the middle of the square stands a monumental fountain from Bartholdi.

History

The square marks the spot where the merchant guilds against Archbishop Renaud II de Forez and its taxation ambitions built a wall on the 1206. After armed intervention of the bishop in 1208 and an award from Pope Innocent III. calmed tempers and Renaud de Forez and his successors expanded even further in this city wall.

In the 16th century fell into the medieval city walls and in 1538 began its demolition. 1646-1651 Simon Maupin built the town hall of Lyon (Hôtel de ville de Lyon). Jules Hardouin -Mansart built it after the fire of 1674 again. Was rebuilt at that time the monastery, which was to become the Museum of Fine Arts in 1803.

While the terrorist phase of the French Revolution was the guillotine on this place. The ornamental fountains of Bartholdi and his Flussallegorie was provided at in Bordeaux, but was viewed by the local city fathers as too expensive. In 1890, he was purchased by the Lyon Mayor Antoine Gailleton for his hometown.

In the redesign in 1994 by Christian Drevet and Daniel Buren, the fountain had to be moved and a parking garage under the square was established. Since 29 September 1995, it is classified as a monument historique.

The Bartholdi Fountain

Entrance of the Palais Saint- Pierre ( Art Museum )

The square at night

The illuminated city hall