Champ de Mars (Montreal) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montreal's fortifications |
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| in Champ de Mars, Montreal Quebec, Canada | |
| Type | Montreal's fortifications, formerly a parade grounds and city walls |
Champ de Mars is a well-known public park located in the Old Montreal area of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It's a place where history meets modern city life.
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A Park with a Military Past
Champ de Mars wasn't always a park. Long ago, it was a special area used by the military. Soldiers would practice drills and parades here. Before that, it was the site of Montreal's strong city walls. These walls helped protect the city.
The Old Walls and Their Demolition
The original city walls of Montreal were taken down in the early 1800s. This happened around the time the Montreal City Hall and the old courthouse were built nearby. For many years after, Champ de Mars was even used as a parking lot for cars.
Bringing History Back to Life
In the 1980s, the area was changed back into a park. During this restoration work, something amazing was found. Workers discovered the old foundations of Montreal's city walls! These foundations were carefully preserved and can still be seen today. They help us imagine what the city looked like centuries ago.
Why is it Called Champ de Mars?
The name "Champ de Mars" has a cool historical meaning. "Mars" comes from Mars, the Roman god of war. "Campus Martius" was a Latin term for a military training ground. So, the park's name reminds us of its past as a place for soldiers. The walls you see there now are not the original ones. They were built to show exactly where the old city walls used to stand. They help visitors understand the city's history.
What's Around Champ de Mars?
Champ de Mars is surrounded by important buildings. To one side is the grand Montreal City Hall. You'll also find the old and new courthouses nearby. It's also very easy to get to, as the Champ-de-Mars Metro station is right there. This makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
