Today Paris is admired, its architecture is a masterpiece of world significance. Surprisingly, the French capital is actually a relatively young city. In the XIX century, the medieval center was demolished.
The process, went down in history under the name “Haussmanization of Paris” as the construction was supervised by Baron Haussmann, Prefect of the Seine County. The reconstruction of the city was brewing for a long time, but was carried out only under Napoleon III. For 20 years, from 1850 to 1870, narrow, curved streets that impeded traffic, turned into wide boulevards and avenues that overlook the main attractions.
Along them lined stone buildings in a neoclassical style. Bridges were freed from retail shops and low-rise buildings. Instead of slums, parks and fountains appeared. And after 19 years, the spire of the Eiffel Tower, the visiting card of modern Paris, ascended into the sky.