34/50.- Paris, Hotel de Ville

The 'Hôtel de Ville' is the Headquarters of the Parisian municipality. The first municipality was founded in 1246. In the Middle Ages, public executions took place in the square in front of the building. In 1871, the 'Hotel de Ville' (=Paris City Hall) was set on fire during the French revolution. A few years later it was rebuilt in a neo-Renaissance style.

Originally the mayor of Paris was appointed by the government, but since 1977, Paris is a municipality like any other and the mayor is elected by its inhabitants.

We will now go to the other river bank, and visit the famous University of Paris ...

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