A medieval fortress located in Paris, the Bastille Saint-Antoine served primarily as a state prison for French kings. Its thick stone walls and towers were designed for defense and detention during periods of internal conflict. The fortress was not only a military structure but also a symbol of royal authority and control.
On 14 July 1789, the Bastille was stormed by a crowd, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. The event signaled the decline of royal power and the rise of the Republican movement. Today, the site where the Bastille once stood is marked by Place de la Bastille, with few physical remnants of the original fortress remaining.