Bastille

The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, originally built as a royal castle in the late 14th century. By the late 17th century, it became a state prison used by the kings of France to hold political prisoners and dissenters. Its storming on July 14, 1789, marked a pivotal event in the French Revolution, symbolizing the people's revolt against tyranny and oppression. The fall of the Bastille sparked a wave of revolutionary fervor across France, ultimately leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of a republic. Today, Bastille Day is celebrated as France's national holiday.