City full of history, culture and beauty. Known as the City of Light, Paris enchants millions of visitors every year with its iconic monuments, delicious cuisine and romantic atmosphere. Get ready to be amazed! In this article, we're going to explore some fascinating facts about the City of Light that you might not know.
1. The Eiffel Tower and its Original Color
The Eiffel Tower, one of Paris' most famous icons, is known for its reddish-brown color. However, did you know that it was originally painted red? In 1889, when the tower was inaugurated for the Universal Exhibition, it had a bright red hue. Over time, the color evolved into the reddish-brown we see today.
2. The Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most famous and visited cemeteries in the world. Among the many personalities buried there are names like Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. However, an interesting curiosity is that, every year, the cemetery administration has to remove kisses left by fans on Oscar Wilde's tomb, as the practice was damaging the structure.
3. The Island of the City (Île de La Cité) and its Two Faces
City Island is the heart of Paris, located in the middle of the Seine River. It houses the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. An interesting curiosity is that Ilha da Cidade has two distinct faces: one facing Rive Gauche, the old part of the city (left bank), and the other facing Rive Droite, the more modern part (right bank).
4. The Bookshop Cats Shakespeare and Company
The Shakespeare and Company Bookstore is one of the most famous bookshops in Paris. In addition to its vast collection of books, the bookshop has a peculiar policy: it allows cats to live and roam the halls. These felines have become part of the bookstore's identity, as if they were part of its collection and are adored by visitors.
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5. The Architect Viollet-le-Duc of Notre Dame
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, Notre Dame Cathedral, has an interesting curiosity about one of its architects. It is Viollet-le-Duc, responsible for the restoration of the cathedral after the French revolution, the artist added sculptures of the apostles to its decoration. The secret lies in one of these sculptures, which represents Viollet-le-Duc himself. Is there a greater mark than putting yourself in your own work?
Paris is a city full of secrets and curiosities that make the experience of visiting it even more fascinating.
When exploring its monuments, charming neighborhoods and unique cuisine, you will certainly feel involved in all its mystery and beauty. Therefore, the next time you visit the French capital, remember to look for these hidden curiosities and let yourself be surprised by the magic of Paris.