Bastille

Bastille, fortress in eastern Paris, France, that was the French state prison in the 17th and 18th centuries; it 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 holding political prisoners. Citizens of every class and profession, if for any reason unpopular with the royal court, were arrested by secret warrants called lettres-de-cachet and imprisoned indefinitely under royal orders in the Bastille without accusation or trial.

At the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the Bastille was attacked on July 14 and captured by a mob with the help of 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 as the beginning of the French Revolution.