THE EXCEPTION THAT PROVES A RULE

 

PLACE D'ITALIE HAS NEVER HAD ANYTHING AT ITS CENTER... 

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As it was before the changes, here in 2017

Being changed, in 2019. The space is cement, the basis for a pond.

Since 2022: Water and colored lights at night make the emptiness grand.

...because separate from the Grand Axis, it has no connection with monarchy:

Adapted from a Google map

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Eastern Paris's grand places 

illustrate the reasons for the city's majesty:

The imprint of kings and dread of rebels. 

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Next,

At Notre-Dame Cathedral, from eternity to repression