Dijon. A mysterious (and bloody) past lies beneath the cobblestones of this downtown square

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Place Émile Zola is one of the liveliest places in Dijon. Located in the heart of downtown, it is full of fascinating stories what the stones could tell us if they had the capacity!

Let's look back at the notable moments of this place.

The place of those condemned to death

Formerly known as “Place des Marmuzots”, this strategic intersection was already an important crossroads from the Middle Ages for commercial exchanges. Markets and stalls regularly enlivened this place, thus contributing to the economic activity of the city.

Later renamed “place du Morimont”, it was the theater public executions for many centuries. Hangings, stakes, then guillotine: these barbaric practices attracted the crowd who came to witness these shows, both terrifying and “fascinating”.

The place for convivial meetings

Over time, the square became the meeting place important fairsattracting merchants from all surrounding regions. These gatherings reinforced its central role in social life and commercial life from Dijon.

In the 19th century, the square was the place of meeting artisans and traders. The narrow houses and workshops give it a picturesque charm, reflecting the challenges of rapid urbanization at the time.

Modernization and homage to Zola

At the end of the 19th century, the square was renamed in homage to Émile Zola, a committed writer. Modernization works, such as the installation of new paving stones and the installation of public lighting, metamorphosis this space to adapt to the needs of a rapidly evolving city.

Today, Place Émile Zola is a place appreciated by Dijon residents for its restaurants and lively terracesparticularly in summer. Its contemporary atmosphere contrasts with the historic buildings which recall its medieval origins and its multiple transformations over time.

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