 The squares of old Bordeaux were created between the XIIIth and XXth centuries for the economic, administrative and religious needs of the inhabitants.
The Place Fernand Lafargue is mentioned for the first time under the name of Place du Marché (Lou Mercat), during the description of a battle under the city walls in 1248. Close to the port, the College of Guyenne and the City Hall, it was used in the Middle Ages by students, merchants and pilgrims of St Jacques of Compostella.
The Place Saint-Pierre exists thanks to its church. The shape of the square is representative of the "Mysteries", common in XVth century religious building. The Saint-Projet square is also the result of the church, surrounded by a cemetery.
The Place de Sainte-Colombe has kept the shape of the religious building that was built there. The building itself having fallen down. The inhabitants of the square purchased the site to ensure there would be no further constructions except for a Cross or a fountain.
Indeed, the fountain, a useful addition to a square is also attractive, be it Saint-Projet, sculpted by Van der Woort, later Garros' fountain on today's Place du Parlement. The old stones, laid during the last renovation, are in keeping with the Royal Marché, desired by Tourny around 1750.
The Place Camille Jullian was the last square put into the old city, in 1935. Today, the markets and restaurant terraces bring these urban areas back to life. |
| |
| Stéphane de LABORIE |
|
