Palais de la Cité en Pont au Change, Parijs 1858

This photograph shows the Palais de la Cité and the Pont au Change in Paris, and was made using a stereoscopic camera. The Pont au Change, rebuilt in the mid-19th century during the Second Empire, stands as a monument to both architectural innovation and the power of urban planning. The image before you presents a vision of Paris as a city of grandeur, but also one undergoing immense change. The rebuilding of the bridge was part of Napoleon III's ambitious plan to modernize Paris, reflecting a desire to assert imperial power through urban transformation. The Palais de la Cité looms large over the bridge. The building was the center of French royal power until the late 14th century, and became a symbol of legal authority and state control after the revolution. Understanding the history of the Pont au Change requires looking at sources such as city archives and architectural plans. By exploring these materials, we gain insights into how political ideologies shape the very stones of our cities.