Marvel At Napoleon’s Tomb Under The Shimmering Golden Dome
The Iconic and beautiful shimmering Eglise Du Dome; located on a grand boulevard lined with military cannons and trees in the shape of bullets. Home to the incredible six-layer Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and even his stuffed horse. French Military has been a huge player throughout Europe’s long and complicated history. So much has been so well preserved especially in the Hotel Des Invalides; which brings the history books to life..
What is the Hotel Des Invalides?
The story goes that Louis XIV or the Sun King; was taking a walk along the River Seine. In his travels he came across countless homeless people, what hurt Louis XIV is that these people were wounded, war veterans. It was a bit of a double-edged sword of an agenda; first, off he did not like them cluttering up the beautiful area. Louis commissioned this building the Hotel Des Invalides as a hospital and a retirement home for up to 4000 veterans. The Hotel Des Invalides was extended in 1676 to have 15 courtyards, the largest area being used for Military ceremonies.
As you approach the front gates you are greeted with a row of cannons these were real cannons used throughout various wars. Finally retired they are now used for decoration, behind the front line the trees have been handcrafted into the shape of bullets. The Hotel Des Invalides is home to some of the most amazing military artifacts from French history; the one, in particular, that is absolutely amazing is Napoleon’s stuffed horse. Throughout the museum, you will find various collections the Army Museum, The Museum of Military Models, The Museum of Contemporary History, and of course the most exciting is the Tomb of Napoleon located in the Eglise Du Dome.
Eglise Du Dome
The Eglise du Dome was the first dome to be built in Paris. It is 107m high and is gilded in unmissable 23.4 karat gold. The Eglise Du Dome is the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon died in exile on the remote island of St Helena; however, it was decided that his remains would be moved back to Paris alongside other French war heroes. Legend has it that when they moved him; the coffin opened and his body was perfectly preserved, even though he dies 35 years earlier. It is said that a vital part of his body (Crown Jewels) is missing; a servant took it as a souvenir. Don’t know the truth in it but it’s a good story anyway!
Napoleon’s body is enclosed in 6 coffins made from Iron, Mahogany, Lead, Ebony, Oak, and Marble. The tomb is positioned in such a way to view his body you have see it from below or above. Meaning; that you have to bow to see him or look up at him; either way he is the superior one.
Even if Military history is not your “Thing” still go and check out the Hotel des Invalides & Eglise Du Dome; both have such incredible significance in French History and it is amazing how much you can learn with you can see these things in real life.
At the museum buy a combo ticket which gives you entry into the museum and to Napoleon’s tomb. Open daily from 10am – 6pm and the tickets are about 14 Euros per person.
Making your way through the Hotel Des Invalides and the Eglise du Dome you will find yourself in front of another building that has seen its fair share of war heroes, the Ecole Militaire.
French Military School the Ecole Militaire and Champs De Mars
The Ecole Militaire translates to ‘Military school’ It was founded in 1748, after the War of the Austrian Succession, by Louis XV. It was originally designed to educate the sons of poor officers.
In 1784 the one and only Napoleon attended school at the Ecole Militaire; being the overachiever he is; Napoleon completed school in a record 12 months; not the usual 2 years moving on to do great things for the country of France with the French Military. The big beautiful open space that is located in front of the Ecole Militaire ( at the foot of the Eiffel Tower) is the Champs De Mars; once designated for military drills nowadays it is a lush leisure spot for everyone to enjoy the serenity.
History doesn’t have to be boring, it is the very thing that has created the society we live in today. Standing in front of the horse that carried Napoleon through various wars is exciting; seeing these things with your own eyes really brings it to life, and makes you want to learn and find out more. Take a walk through French Military History; marvel at the great characters, wars, and changes that have shaped our world as we know it.
For some more ideas on what to see and do in the beautiful city of Paris check out Dot’s to Discover Paris. It is an interactive map that you can find the hidden gems around this great city. If you think French Military is cool you need to read about the Swiss and how their whole country can go underground in the event of a war.
