The Louvre: A Medieval Fortress at the Origin of It All
Welcome to the Louvre Museum, a place where history goes back more than 900 years. Did you know that long before becoming a museum, the Louvre was a fortress? In 1190, under King Philip Augustus, this defensive castle was built to protect Paris from invasions. Today, in the medieval gallery, you can still see remains from that era—witnesses to its very first mission: defending the city. A fascinating evolution, isn’t it?
Francis I and His Dream of a Royal Louvre
In the 16th century, the Louvre took a spectacular turn. Under Francis I, the castle became a magnificent royal residence, where Italian artists—including Leonardo da Vinci—left their mark. Although Leonardo’s full vision was never realized due to his untimely death, his influence still lives on in the Louvre’s architecture, especially through its elegant forms and classical elements. A transformation worthy of the greatest royal epics!
The Louvre, Cradle of a Cultural Revolution
The Louvre has undergone many transformations, but one of the most significant occurred during the French Revolution. In 1793, what was once a royal palace became a public museum—a powerful symbol of the democratization of art. Today, the Louvre houses more than 460,000 treasures, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, and remains a beacon of art for all. From royal fortress to global museum, its history is a fascinating journey through time.
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