Trocadero Square

The Place du Trocadéro in Paris is linked to a significant historical event, the Battle of Trocadero. This battle took place on August 31, 1823, near the Isla del Trocadero in southern Spain. French forces, commanded by the Duc d'Angoulême, who was the son of the future King Charles X of France, successfully captured the island. This intervention by France was to support King Ferdinand VII of Spain, who faced challenges to his rule due to a liberal uprising. The victory at Trocadero ultimately led to the re-establishment of Ferdinand VII, a member of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty, as the uncontested ruler of Spain.

This historical achievement was notably recognized by François-René de Chateaubriand, a prominent French writer and politician. He admired the swift and successful campaign in Spain, contrasting it with Napoleon Bonaparte's struggles in the same region. Chateaubriand remarked on the remarkable feat of accomplishing in six months what Napoleon could not in seven years, highlighting the significance of this victory in French military history.

In modern times, the square has been officially named Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, commemorating both the Battle of Trocadero and the Armistice of November 11, 1918, which marked the end of World War I. However, it is commonly referred to simply as the Place du Trocadéro.

The Chaillot hill was initially developed for the 1867 World's Fair. For the 1878 edition of the fair, the original Palais du Trocadéro was constructed on this site, serving as a venue for international organization meetings. This palace featured a grand concert hall, flanked by wings and towers, and showcased a blend of exotic and historical styles, often termed "Moorish" with Byzantine influences. Gabriel Davioud was the architect responsible for this design.

The concert hall was notable for housing a large organ, the first of its size in a French concert hall, crafted by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. This organ, which underwent several modifications and was eventually relocated to the Auditorium Maurice Ravel in Lyon in 1977, debuted at the 1878 World Fair with a performance by Charles Marie Widor.

Despite the significant investment, the building was not well-received, delaying its replacement for almost five decades. Beneath it, in spaces once occupied by underground quarries, a substantial aquarium showcasing French river fish was established. It saw renovations in 1937 and a prolonged closure from 1985 until reopening on 22 May 2006. The area between the palace and the Seine featured gardens designed by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand, complete with a variety of fountains.

The garden of the old palace also housed two significant animal statues, a rhinoceros and an elephant. These sculptures were preserved and relocated to the entrance of the Musée d'Orsay in 1986 during the demolition of the original Trocadero palace.

Trocadéro is a well-known spot for tourists to capture photos of the Eiffel Tower. This area, known as the Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, is not only a picturesque location but also a gathering place for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. fans to celebrate their team's victories in French championships. Additionally, it's a location where reporters from the United States occasionally visit to document their time in France.