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Among the many public squares in Paris, Place de la Concorde is one of the most popular ones, and the biggest in terms of land area, with a total coverage of over 8 hectares. Its story stretches back to the late 1700s, with the initial name being Place Louis XV, in honour of the king that reigned at the time. Fountains and statutes were the first monuments at the time. The square was later renamed Place de la Concorde after the French Revolution.

One of the emblems at the public square is the Obelisk, a humongous monolith obtained from the Temple of Ramses II. It is commonly referred to as Cleopatra’s needle, and it is the only Obelisk that was transported and installed in Paris. Part of why it is regarded as a monument besides its obvious size is its weight, which stands at 280 metric tons. Considering the technical limitations at the time, installation must have been quite challenging, and accomplishing the feat has made the Obelisk on the attractions of Place de la Concorde. It is adorned in hieroglyphics.

Place de la Concorde contains two fountains, which represent Paris herself, and are characteristically named Fountains de la Concorde; one is placed on the north and another aligns at the south.

Place de la Concorde does not look much different than it did centuries ago. The ground has been cemented but that’s the only significant alteration that has been made. The square oozes with history, which is derived in the architectural creation of the Rue Royal and the monuments. Though the areas of interest are not as abundant, there is the great Ferris wheel which stands at 197 feet tall. Most visitors to Paris prefer to view the city from the Eiffel Tower as the height enables one to have a panoramic view of the city. However the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde also enables one to have the same kind of view thanks to the kind of elevation that it offers. Both adults and children are allowed on it, and the view it offers, especially after dusk, is breathtaking to say the least.

Another place to visit near Place de la Concorde is the Hotel Crillon. It’s one of the few luxury hotels in the world that are hundreds of years old. Its timeless architectural design is inspiring and its class is the stuff of royalty. Place de la Concorde has an octagonal design, and at each corner, a statue is erected. Each of these statues is symbolic of a French city, besides Paris, and they are eight in total.

Place de la Concorde is a bustle with activity and it is not unusual to find many Parisians around the public square. Its 18th century architecture has been able to withstand the changes and effects of time, and this is one of the qualities that draw tourists to the place. The near located Rue de Rivoli provides a commercial street where tourists can make their high end purchases. The bridge at Pont de la Concorde provides an inspiring view, and connects Place de la Concorde with Quai des Tuileries.