Place d'Italie

Place d'Italie is a major public square located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, France. It serves as a critical transportation hub and a historical gateway to the city's southern districts. The square is the focal point of several major avenues, including the Boulevard Vincent-Auriol and the Boulevard Auguste-Blanqui, and marks the traditional beginning of the Route nationale 7 leading towards Italy. Its history is deeply intertwined with the former Barrière d'Italie, a gate in the Wall of the Farmers-General.

History

The square's origins date to the 18th century, evolving from the Barrière d'Italie, a customs gate in the Wall of the Farmers-General constructed under the direction of the architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux. This wall, part of the tax farmers' network, was highly unpopular and famously criticized by Sébastien Mercier. During the French Revolution, the area saw significant action, particularly during the June Days uprising of 1848 and the Paris Commune of 1871, where it was a site of fierce barricade fighting. The square was formally named in 1783, reflecting the historical route to Italy. Major redevelopment occurred in the 19th century under Baron Haussmann's renovation of Paris, and again in the late 20th century as part of the redevelopment of the 13th arrondissement, including the construction of the modern Les Olympiades complex.

Description and layout

Place d'Italie is a large, circular roundabout approximately 130 meters in diameter, functioning as a massive traffic interchange. It is dominated by a multi-level road system, with a sunken ring road for through traffic and surface-level access to surrounding streets. The center of the roundabout features a landscaped garden with lawns, trees, and fountains, providing a green oasis. Architecturally, the square is surrounded by a mix of Haussmannian buildings and starkly modern high-rises from the 1970s, such as those of the Les Olympiades district. Notable structures include the Centre commercial Italie 2 shopping mall and the towering Tour Super-Italie.

Transport and access

The square is one of Paris's most important transportation nodes. It is served by the Place d'Italie metro station, a major interchange on Line 5, Line 6, and Line 7, providing direct connections to Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare de Lyon, and Gare du Nord. Numerous bus lines operated by the RATP Group converge here, including the PC1 bus route. For motorists, it is the convergence point of the Boulevard des Maréchaux and the starting point of the Boulevard Vincent-Auriol, linking to the Boulevard Périphérique via the Porte d'Italie.

Cultural significance

Place d'Italie has been a notable location in French cinema, featuring in films by directors like Claude Chabrol in *Les Bonnes Femmes* and Jean-Pierre Melville in *Le Samouraï*. The adjacent Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood, known for its village-like atmosphere and Art Nouveau architecture, contributes to the area's bohemian and artistic reputation. The square itself is a symbol of the transformation of the 13th arrondissement from a traditional working-class district into a modern, multicultural hub, often associated with the city's Asian community centered on the nearby Triangle de Choisy.

Surrounding area

The square anchors a diverse and dynamic district. To the north lies the historic Butte-aux-Cailles, known for its cobbled streets, lively bars, and the art deco swimming pool. To the south and east stretches the modern high-rise development of Les Olympiades and the Asian quarter, with its dense concentration of restaurants, supermarkets, and the Buddhist temple. Major institutions nearby include the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, the François-Mitterrand site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the University of Paris Cité campus. The Gobelins tapestry works and the Jardin des Plantes are also within close proximity.

Category:Squares in the 13th arrondissement of Paris Category:Transport in Paris Category:Roundabouts in Paris