1. Paris Was Originally a Roman City
    The city we know today as Paris was once called Lutetia during Roman times. It was established around the 1st century BC on what is now the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris.
  2. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Took Nearly Two Centuries to Build
    Construction of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral began in 1163 and was completed in 1345. This Gothic masterpiece has witnessed centuries of French history, including coronations and revolutions.
  3. The Guillotine Was First Tested in Paris
    During the French Revolution, the guillotine became a symbol of justice. It was first tested on human cadavers in 1792 near Paris before being used publicly.
  4. The Catacombs of Paris Are Home to Millions of Skeletons
    In the late 18th century, Paris faced a cemetery overflow crisis, leading to the relocation of human remains into underground tunnels. Today, the Catacombs house the bones of over 6 million people.
  5. The Eiffel Tower Was Once the World’s Tallest Structure
    From its completion in 1889 until 1930, the Eiffel Tower held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, surpassing the Washington Monument.
  6. The Louvre Was a Fortress Before It Was a Museum
    The Louvre, now the world’s largest art museum, started as a medieval fortress in the 12th century. It became a royal palace before transforming into a museum during the French Revolution.
  7. Paris Was Occupied by the Nazis During World War II
    From 1940 to 1944, Paris was under Nazi occupation. Despite orders to destroy the city, it was spared due to General Dietrich von Choltitz’s decision to disobey Hitler’s command.
  8. The First Public Transport System in the World Began in Paris
    Paris introduced the world’s first organized public transport system in 1662 under Louis XIV. It consisted of horse-drawn carriages known as “carrosses à cinq sols.”
  9. The Place de la Concorde Was the Site of Numerous Executions
    During the French Revolution, Place de la Concorde was home to the guillotine where King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and many others were executed.
  10. The Paris Métro Opened in 1900
    The Paris Métro, known for its Art Nouveau entrances, was inaugurated during the Exposition Universelle in 1900. Today, it is one of the oldest and busiest subway systems in the world.

Paris is a city where every corner reveals layers of history, making it an endlessly fascinating destination for travelers.