Hôtel des Invalides, located in Paris, France, is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France. The most notable feature of the complex is the Dôme des Invalides, a large church with a golden dome that houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Hôtel was originally constructed by order of King Louis XIV in 1670 as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. The name "Les Invalides" is derived from the French word "invalides," referring to injured soldiers. The architect for the project was Libéral Bruant, and construction was completed in 1676.
One of the lesser-known facts about the Hôtel des Invalides is its role in the French Revolution. On July 14, 1789, the day of the Storming of the Bastille, a mob seized the cannons and muskets stored at the Hôtel des Invalides. This event played a critical role in arming the revolutionaries.
The Musée de l'Armée, also located within the complex, was established in 1905 and is one of the world's largest military museums. It houses an extensive collection of arms, armor, and art related to France's military history. The museum's highlights include Napoleon's sword and the uniforms of notable French military leaders.
The Dôme des Invalides was added later, between 1679 and 1708, under the direction of architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The dome itself is an architectural marvel, standing at 107 meters tall (350 feet) and covered in 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of gold leaf. Beneath this dazzling structure lies the tomb of Napoleon, which was transferred to the site in 1840 from the island of Saint Helena by order of King Louis-Philippe.
Napoleon's tomb is a masterpiece of neoclassical art and architecture. It is made of red quartzite and rests on a green granite base. The tomb is surrounded by a circular gallery adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Napoleon’s reign, sculpted by Pierre-Charles Simart.
Another interesting trivia is the presence of several other notable tombs within the Hôtel des Invalides. These include Marshal Ferdinand Foch, the Supreme Allied Commander during the final year of World War I, and Marshal Philippe Pétain, a controversial figure in French history who was initially buried there but later moved.
The Hôtel des Invalides also hosts the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, which contains a unique collection of scale models of French fortifications and cities. These models were used for military planning and are a testament to the ingenuity of military engineers in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Another lesser-known fact is that the Hôtel des Invalides still functions in part as a residence for war veterans. The institution has evolved to meet modern needs but retains its original purpose of providing care and support for those who have served in the French military.
The complex also features the Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Cathedral, which serves both the veterans residing there and the general public. The cathedral is notable for its collection of military flags, many captured in battle, which hang from the ceiling.
Interestingly, the Hôtel des Invalides is also a site of scientific significance. In 1795, the French government stored the kilogram prototype at the Hôtel des Invalides, a platinum-iridium cylinder that served as the international standard for the kilogram until 2019.
The site has also played a role in various state ceremonies and events. For instance, in 2002, the remains of Alexandre Dumas, the famous author of "The Three Musketeers," were transferred to the Panthéon in a ceremony that began at the Hôtel des Invalides.
Finally, the Hôtel des Invalides is not just a historical site but also a vibrant part of contemporary French culture. It hosts various exhibitions, concerts, and events, making it a living monument that continues to evolve.