On March 31, 2025, La Poste issues a stamp on the Place de la République in Paris for the Spring Philatelic Show.
The official face of the Republic, Marianne is recognizable by all French people, even if her representation can vary depending on the era and style. She has appeared on many commonly used postage stamps since 1944. On the occasion of the Spring Philatelic Show held in Paris, La Poste is honoring the Place de la République and its monumental statue.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the modest Place du Château-d’Eau had no idea that it would become one of the largest squares in Paris. It was part of the gigantic plan to transform the capital led by Haussmann during the Second Empire. In 1865, major works were undertaken to clear the square and give it its rectangular shape. It was necessary to absorb part of the Boulevard du Temple and raze the many theaters that gave the reputation of the "Boulevard du crime". Under the Third Republic, the square definitively took its current name (1879).
A competition was organized to provide the place with a monument dedicated to the greatness of the Republic. It was won by the Morice brothers: Léopold for the statuary, Charles for the base. At the inauguration, on July 14, 1883, Parisians discovered the colossal bronze statue of Marianne dominating from its 9.50 m height a stone base 15 m high where sit stone allegories of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
In 2013, the 3.5 hectares of the square changed face again. The part intended for cars was reduced in favor of a large pedestrian area. At the crossroads of ten streets and boulevards, the Place de la République, with Marianne in its centre wearing the Phrygian cap, symbol of freedom, has naturally become a gathering place where people share moments of joy or sadness, where they demonstrate, where they meditate and where they celebrate.
