Cite Island, the photo of which can be seen in the article, is located on the Seine River, almost in the very center of Paris. It is called the heart of the capital of France. The island is considered the oldest part of the city, because it was from it that Paris was born. Sité can be safely called the historical center. This place is one of the main ones that attract the attention of many tourists.
Cite Island has a large number of historical and architectural monuments. Many feature films and documentaries are filmed here to this day.
Short description
Cite is an island with an area of a quarter of a square kilometer. There are many old buildings here, thanks to which an atmosphere of romance reigns in the air. The island is connected by nine bridges to both banks of the Seine and the neighboring island of Saint-Louis. According to the administrative division, Cité is included in the 1st and 4th municipal districts of Paris. This division runs along the boulevard du Palais.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Even in the first century BC. e. The island was inhabited by Gauls. It later became part of the Roman Empire. And at the beginning of the last millennium,build up actively. These buildings adorn the island of Cité to this day. Attractions here at every turn. The most famous building, perhaps, not only of the island, but of the whole of Paris, is the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built for almost two centuries. Its construction began in 1163. Tourists from all over the world flock day and night to see a sample of the classic Gothic building. The cathedral had several construction managers, each striving to add something of his own to perpetuate his own name. It is in this building that many scenes from Victor Hugo's famous novel Notre Dame de Paris take place.
Saint-Chapelle
Among the other sights of the Ile de la Cité, one can single out the Gothic-style chapel of Sainte-Chapelle. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings. The building is quite small. The chapel was built in the 13th century.
Palace of Justice
The Civil Building of the Palace of Justice is the largest structure, occupying almost half of the island. Construction was carried out over several centuries. Looking at the building that adorns the island of Cité, one can see a mixture of architectural styles from different eras. The processes of judicial proceedings that took place in the Palace were of interest to a large circle of the French public. And all because among the accused at different times were such famous personalities as the writer Emile Zola, the spy Mata Hari, who was sentenced to death in the courtroom, as well as many famous Frenchpoliticians and military.
Place Dauphin and Concierge Castle
Cité Island will surprise guests with a beautiful square, which has the romantic name Dauphine. Today it is a place of a large concentration of artists. They offer their work to tourists, and there are also many souvenir vendors.
Concierge - a building built like a castle for the French kings. Subsequently, it became a prison for many high-ranking nobles. Now the building is an architectural monument, a museum operates here.
Climatic features
The climate and weather conditions of Sité generally do not differ from the average Parisian indicators. The coldest month is January. But even at this time, the island of Cité pleases citizens and guests with temperatures above zero. July is considered the hottest month. But the most favorable time to visit Paris in general and its individual attractions is August. In the last summer month, it does not get as hot as in the middle of the season. Along with this, August is a favorite vacation time for native Parisians. And this means that the population of the city is decreasing, and tourists can walk around the various picturesque places of the island with greater comfort.
Some facts from the history of the island
The population of the island is just over 1,000 people. Whereas a few centuries ago it was the most densely populated area of the city. During the reign of Napoleon III, there was a destruction of residential buildings on the island. This was done by order of Baron Osman, whom the emperorappointed prefect of the capital of France. In search of a new home, the island of Cité left more than twenty thousand inhabitants. Building up the city with new buildings, the baron did not forget about the tourists: he had the idea to leave the area undeveloped on all sides of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Now this building can be seen from different angles in all its splendor.
Summarize
Of course, there are no industrial enterprises and public transport on the island. In its center is the Paris metro station. You can get to the island from anywhere in the city, thanks to nine bridges that have been built over the Seine, and the automobile New Bridge is the only one that crosses the entire Seine. Cite is a flat island and should not be difficult to navigate.
