Bordeaux is located in southwestern France and is a port city next to Garonne river, and the world's major wine industry capital as well. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage thanks to its very intact 18 century city architecture. After Paris, Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical buildings of any city in France.
Top things to see in Bordeaux:
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Top things to see in Bordeaux:
Place de la Bourse is one of the most well known sights of the city. It was built from 1730 to 1775 and its architect was Ange - Jacques Gabriel, one of the most prominent French architect of his generation. The location was chosen so that foreigners would be impressed by the first sight of the city but unfortunately the monument that gave a focal point to the square has been lost; the statue of King Louis XV was destroyed during the French Revolution. The statue of " Three Graces "was installed in the same location in 1869, to fill the space. There are currently 17 rooms available, from 30 to 1,500 m², offering
thoroughly modern facilities in a historic environment. Palais de la Bourse is an
up-to-date event venue, equipped with the latest technology, in a superb,
historic setting, which gives it a unique cachet.
Grand Theatre de Bordeaux was first inaugurated on 17 April 1780. Designed by the architect Victor Louis it was that theatre that Marius Petipa staged his first ballets. It has 12 Corinthian style colossal columns which support an entablature on which stand 12 statues that represent the nine Muses and the three goddesses Juno, Venus and Minerva. The theatre has it's original colors of blue and gold inside and it is one of the oldest wooden frame opera houses in Europe not to have burned or required rebuilding. The building is now home of Opera National de Bordeaux as well as the Ballet National de Bordeaux.
Place des Quinconces and Monument aux Girondins, one the largest city squares in Europe with the column by Dumilatre and Rich and a statue on the top of it that represents the spirit of liberty, and suffering figures around. The momument was erected in memory of Girondists who fell victim of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. The place has become the most important public transport hub of the area and also offers hospitality to an antique bazaar.
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the cathedral of the city is a Roman - Catholic church dedicated to Saint Andrew. It was built in 1096 by Pope Urban II and the Royal Gate is from the early13th. The church is now a national monument of France and is home of the Marcade collection with illuminations that was little studied so far.
Porte Cailhau, is one of the gates that leads to the old town. Despite its age it remains practically unchanged. The Port Cailhau, thirty-five metres tall, was integrated into the city walls. In 1864, it was rented by a public letter writer and a person whose job was to weigh salt. They were both evicted in order to renovate the monument.There is a magnificent view of the oldest bridge in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre, from here.
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Information were taken from Bordeaux tourism site.
Pictures by Nephele Theofanopoulou.