Place Ampère

The Place Ampère is a pedestrian square located in the Ainay square, in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. It is nearly the middle of the rue Victor Hugo and is served by the metro station Ampère - Victor Hugo.

History

The square was already populated in the Roman era.

Designed during the first half of the 19th century with the development of the rue Victor Hugo, it was redevelopped in 1976, when the metro was created.[1]

The square was named Place Henri IV from 1828 to 1848 and from 1849 to 1884. In 1848-1849, it was renamed Place de l'Espérance. The current name was given by a deliberation, on 27 November 1884.[2][3]

Architecture

A statue made by Charles Textor portraying André-Marie Ampère was erected in the center of the square, on his bronze armchair, and a stone pedestal engraved with lions and a few of his many titles of glory.[1] It was inaugurated by French President of the Republic Sadi Carnot on 8 September 1888.[4]

The square is lined with buildings of the 19th century and a post office. It is illuminated on the night with violet colours. The vegetation consists mainly of Hornbeams and Paulownias, with suspensions of spring flowering bulbs.[5]

The blocked up traboule at No. 6 crosses two buildings and starts by a nineteenth century building with pediments above the windows of the first and second floors.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Place Ampère" (in French). Rue de Lyon. http://ruesdelyon.wysiup.net/PageRubrique.php?ID=1003013&rubID=1003050. Retrieved 26 May 2009. 
  2. ^ Vanario, Maurice (2002) (in French). Rues de Lyon à travers les siècles. Lyon: ELAH. p. 12. ISBN 284147-126-8. 
  3. ^ Meynard, Louis (1932) (in French). Dictionnaire des lyonnaiseries — Les hommes. Le sol. Les rues. Histoires et légendes. 1 (1982 ed.). Lyon: Jean Honoré. p. 46. 
  4. ^ Brun De La Valette, Robert (1969) (in French). Lyon et ses rues. Paris: Le Fleuve. pp. 222–23. 
  5. ^ Eberhard, Pierrick (2010) (in French). Lyon et ses parcs et jardins — Grand Lyon, département du Rhône. Lyon: Éditions Lyonnaises d'Art et d'Histoire. p. 27. ISBN 2841472185. 
  6. ^ Dejean, René (1988) (in French). Traboules de Lyon — Histoire secrète d'une ville. Le Progrès. p. 138. ISBN 2-904899-01-4.