subject: Pont Neuf Is At The Centre Of Paris A Bewitching Sight! [print this page] If you are wondering what the most romantic place in the City of Love might be? Then Pont Neuf on the Seine River is a good bet. Regarded as the oldest standing bridge in Paris, it is also one of the most beautiful examples of French architecture. Stretching out across the Seine from Rive Gauche to Rive Droite, the bridge actually consists of two parts linked by a natural island in the middle known as Ile de la Cite.
Ile de la Cite has a special place in French history with records dating back to the days of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. According to historians during the struggle between the Romans and the Gauls the island was home to group of natives known as the Parisii.
The construction of the present day Pont Neuf Bridge was commissioned by King Henry III in 1578. The bridge consists of a series of arches, following the Roman precedent of using arches to give greater strength to the construction. Pont Neuf was considered to be the center of Paris and was always laden with traffic, be it pedestrians or caravans filled with trade ware. An account by French historian douard Fournier claims that the bridge was also the center of crime in the city during the 1800s and it was common for gangs to ambush people walking on the bridge at night.
Today Pont Neuf is one of the most beautiful sights in a city and is famous for its architecture. Apart from the beautiful views across the Seine, tourists should visit the bronze statue of Henry IV of France; the statue was erected in 1614 and shows the king proudly posing on horseback. Pont Neuf is also the resting place of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay who was burnt to death on Ile de la Cite.
Guests staying at a luxury hotel Paris close to Pont Neuf can enjoy the serene river cruises linking the bridge to major attractions in he city such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. A 5 star hotel Paris such as the Le Royal Monceau, Paris France also offers guests excellent road access to many places in the city.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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