- Architectural Marvel: The Rotonde de la Villette
- From Tax Office to Cultural Hub: The Evolution of the Rotonde de la Villette
- Taxi transfer to the Rotonde de la Villette in Paris
Architectural Marvel: The Rotonde de la Villette
Located at the strategic opening of the site of the Battle of Stalingrad, within the vibrant district of La Villette in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, the Rotonde de la Villette stands as a monumental testament to architectural brilliance and historical depth. Facing the serene waters of the Bassin de la Villette, this grandiose structure, originally known as the Barrier Saint-Martin, served as a pivotal point within the wall of the Farmers-General. Crafted by the visionary architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux before the tumultuous times of the Revolution, the Rotonde was envisioned to house forty toll offices, dubbed “Propylaea.” This architectural gem sets itself apart from other Propylaea of Paris through its unique shapes and grand dimensions, drawing inspiration from the classical antiquity akin to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans. Embodying a Greek cross form, its core is dominated by a vast internal cylinder, a nod to the genius of Palladio. The ground floor unfolds into a facade adorned with eight stout Doric pillars, each capped by a modest triangular pediment and entablature, while the central gallery boasts a blend of Palladian, prépalladienne, and Italian architectural elements, highlighted by serlienne windows set upon forty twin Doric columns. Crowned with a Doric cornice interspersed with triglyphs and metopes, the Rotonde’s historical and architectural significance was officially recognized with its classification as a historical monument on April 24, 1907. It graciously opens its doors to visitors, offering a glimpse into its storied past every day except Monday, with varying hours throughout the week, easily accessible via Metro lines 2 and 5 at Jaures and lines 2, 5, and 7 at the Stalingrad Metro Station.
From Tax Office to Cultural Hub: The Evolution of the Rotonde de la Villette
In the 18th century, the end of the Faubourg Saint-Martin bore witness to the construction of five buildings by Ledoux, culminating in the barrier Villette, comprised initially of two modest monuments. Known as the barrier Senlis until 1798, these structures stationed on the road to Senlis, now Rue de Flandre, oversaw the regulation of goods transported along this route. Similarly, on the road to Meaux or present-day Avenue Jean Jaurès, two additional edifices were erected, forming the barrier of Pantin. The monumental gate Saint-Martin, today’s Rotonde de la Villette, was built between 1784 and 1788, encapsulating the offices of the Wall of the Farmers-General designed for tax collection on goods entering Paris. This system required individuals to declare their goods for taxation before passing through the barriers Senlis or Pantin. The abolition of this tax system in 1791 rendered the Rotonde obsolete, leading to its diverse uses over the centuries, from housing municipal guard barracks between 1830 and 1860 to serving as a salt cellar until 1921, and later hosting the Commission du Vieux Paris between 1960 and 2004. Following a comprehensive rehabilitation in 2009, the Rotonde has been repurposed into a vibrant cultural hub, boasting a restaurant and seven private rooms, spread across the first floor, mezzanine, and ground floor, catering to both individuals and professionals, thus continuing its legacy as a pivotal part of Paris’s architectural and cultural landscape.
Taxi Transfer to the Rotonde de la Villette in Paris
Experience a convenient visit to the surroundings of the Rotonde de la Villette by private car with a driver during your exploration of the historical sites in the city of Paris. The Rotonde de la Villette is situated 23.8 kilometers from Orly Airport, 26.4 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport by luxury taxi, and 90.1 km from Beauvais Airport.