In 1160, Maurice de Sully is elected  bishop of Paris. One of its first concerns is to make build in the center of Paris, a church in proportionof the capital of France. Supported by king Louis VII, the project is thrown for a construction which begins in 1163 and which will end more than 100 years later in 1272. The Parisian people but also numerous journeymen and the craftsmen come from all Europe, participate in the construction, supported by the Parisian notables and the Church. All will offer in a equal way their efforts to God and to Marie..

 

It’s difficult to imagine that this column set up for the glory of the imperial Grande Armée and Napoleon, was knocked down in 1871 and put back in place in 1875. The famous painter Gustave Courbet worked actively so that this monument, poured with the bronze of the artillery of the imperial army, was destroyed. Courbet would have said on this matter:  » you will see that it will crush me by falling. « ? It did not crush him in the real sense of the term, but Courbet was put in a so unbearable situation that he died in exile, pursued by his creditors…

More ..

Trocadero Palace, sheltering the biggest ever built concert hall, had to survive the International Fair (1878). Built by the architect Gabriel Davioud ( 1824-1881 ) and engineer Jules Bourdais ( 1835-1915 ) . The name of Trocadéro is linked with the victory of the Duke d’Angoulême to Andalusia in 1827. A legend claims that an echo in the hall widely contributed to make destroy this monument …

http://www.paris-architecture.info/PA-055.htm