The Latin Quarter, or le Quariter Latin, is located along the southern bank of the Seine River in Paris, France. The Sorbonne is located here, and thousands of students live in the area. Artists, musicians and bohemians also can be found here. Latin was the official language until 1793. Several monuments, including the Jardin des Plantes and the Musee de Cluny, call the Latin Quarter home.
The Early Years
In 32 B.C., the Romans built roads, an amphitheater, a forum and baths in the area. Most of these are gone, but a former thermal bath is now the site of the Musee de Cluny. The Sorbonne was founded in the area in the 12th century.
The Sorbonne
Robert de Sorbon founded the university for poor theology students. The revolutionary government closed it in the 1790s, but Napoleon took power in 1808 and reopened it. In 1968, more than 20,000 people protested against the closure of the University of Paris at Nanterre. Protests increased after several students were arrested and tear gas was used. More protesters joined the 20,000 gathered at the Arc de Triomphe. The protests led to the reorganization of Paris universities.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was built to be an abbey church. Construction lasted from its commission in 1750 to 1789. It became a mausoleum in 1791, and Voltaire and Victor Hugo are buried inside. The building offers a popular view of Paris.
Musee de Cluny
Medieval abbots lived in a townhouse that became this museum. The museum contains artwork, including a lot from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. One of the most popular pieces, "The Lady with the Unicorn," or "La Dama a la Licorne," is from the 15th century and is comprised of six tapestries.
Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle
The Museum of Natural History contains skeletons, artifacts and galleries. The Jardin des Plantes, a large garden built by Louis XIII in 1626, is located inside, as are several statues, including one of Jean-Baptiste Lemarck. The museum contains a zoo, the Menegerie, which was created in 1794. The Musee de l'Homme, created in 1937 inside the Museum of Natural History, shows the history and culture of humans. It also houses temporary traveling exhibits.
Tags: Latin Quarter, Musee Cluny, Jardin Plantes, museum contains, Museum Natural, Museum Natural History