A fortress and prison in Paris, the Bastille
was a symbol of royal absolutism before the French
Revolution. Begun in
1370, it was originally intended to augment the city's
defenses. By the 17th century it was being used as a prison
and was rumored to contain hundreds of political prisoners.
Voltaire and the Marquis de Sade were among its most famous
prisoners.
On July 14, 1789, at the beginning of the French Revolution, a mob gathered outside the Bastille, demanding the munitions that were stored within. The commander, the Marquis de Launay, refused to surrender, and the building was then stormed (see picture). Ironically, only seven prisoners were found inside. The Bastille was demolished soon after.
July 14, Bastille Day, has been set aside since 1880 as the French national holiday. As with the American Independence Day, or Fourth of July, the holiday is celebrated with the setting off of firecrackers and with parades and other festivity.
