Bastille

Bastille, former French prison fortress in Paris that became a symbol of royal tyranny. It was built about 1370 as part of the fortifications on the east wall of the city. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Bastille was used primarily for housing political prisoners. Citizens of every class and profession, if for any reason deemed obnoxious to the royal court, were arrested by secret warrants called lettres-de-cachet and imprisoned indefinitely in the Bastille without accusation or trial.

At the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the Bastille was attacked and captured by a mob assisted by royal troops. Two days later the destruction of the stronghold was begun amid great public rejoicings. The site is now an open square, called the Place de la Bastille. Bastille Day is the national holiday in France, celebrated annually on July 14.