Liberation Square

You’re now arriving at Liberation Square, a newly redesigned green space that’s just the latest chapter in a long and varied history. Originally, this area was home to an old cemetery and two churches. In the 18th century, the entire site was cleared to make way for a new grain market. During recent renovation work, archaeological digs uncovered more than 2,500 burial sites, along with the foundations of the religious buildings and remains of two former grain markets. At the beginning of the 20th century, the area was turned into a small park, and the famous statue known as “The Rape” was installed. It depicts the abduction of Cora by the god Hades from Roman mythology. The most famous version of this scene is Bernini’s masterpiece from the 17th century, now on display at the Borghese Gallery in Rome. The city of Troyes was so impressed by it, they commissioned a bronze replica. But like many bronze statues, it was seized during the German occupation and melted down to make ammunition. That may have pleased some people at the time, since the statue’s nudity had stirred quite a scandal. Luckily, a marble model had been made in preparation for the bronze casting, and it was being kept at the Petit Palais in Paris. That’s the version you see today, returned to its original spot in 1949. You’ll also notice the bust of Robert Galley—resistance fighter, minister, and former mayor of Troyes. A butterfly rests gently on his shoulder, a tribute to his love of insects and nature. He even donated his butterfly collection to the city’s Natural History Museum. Finally, one unexpected highlight of this square is… its parking lot! Troyes may be the European capital of stained glass, but it’s still surprising to see all these contemporary stained-glass windows lighting up an underground parking lot.