The Burghers of Calais
The Burghers of Calais
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Travelers Voice
Conroe, TX2,025 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
This sculpture is just in front of the iconic city hall building. There was no one around, so we had wonderful unobstructed views of the fantastic sculpture.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sheridan s
Leominster, UK154 contributions
Oct 2012 • Business
I go to Calais at least once a year, and every time I visit I make sure that I look again at the Burghers of Calais in its marvellous setting in front of the stunning town hall. The story of the sculpture is fascinating and complicated - this is actually the third version that Rodin completed - and there have been a dozen versions cast, most notably in Westminster Gardens next to the Houses of Parliament. But for me the only one that really counts is the one in Calais, as this was the town that the Burghers were seeking to save through their sacrificial action. When you have seen the statue do go to the museum as they have maquettes for the earlier versions of sculpture
Written October 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS2,979 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Incredibly impressive Rodin sculpture that sits in the beautiful front gardens of the Calais Town Hall. The Burghers of Calais statue has a heroic back-story.
In 1885, the town council of Calais commissioned the French sculptor Auguste Rodin to create a sculpture commemorating the bravery of their local heroes, the 'Burghers of Calais'. England's Edward III attacked the City of Calais. Edward offered to spare the people of the city if six of its Calais' leaders would surrender themselves to be executed. Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered first, and five other burghers joined with him. The six were instructed to walk to the city gates wearing nooses around their necks carrying the keys to the city. This poignant sacrifice is captured in Rodin's sculpture.
Although the burghers expected to be executed, their lives were spared by the intervention of England's queen. Very impressive and emotive statue. Well worth a stop in the city of Calais.
In 1885, the town council of Calais commissioned the French sculptor Auguste Rodin to create a sculpture commemorating the bravery of their local heroes, the 'Burghers of Calais'. England's Edward III attacked the City of Calais. Edward offered to spare the people of the city if six of its Calais' leaders would surrender themselves to be executed. Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered first, and five other burghers joined with him. The six were instructed to walk to the city gates wearing nooses around their necks carrying the keys to the city. This poignant sacrifice is captured in Rodin's sculpture.
Although the burghers expected to be executed, their lives were spared by the intervention of England's queen. Very impressive and emotive statue. Well worth a stop in the city of Calais.
Written May 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WelshWonder47
Norfolk, UK72 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I wouldn't have found this statue half so impressive had it not been for the fact that I looked up the story behind it before I visited. If you're thinking of visiting and have access to the internet I would highly recommend that as it puts this lovely piece in context. The real fascination is in the event this commemorates - without that background it's just a great statue. And it is a great statue, full of emotion and conveying the full burden of the responsibility borne by this group all those years ago. I won't spoil this review by telling you the story but a quick Google will reveal all. The added bonus is the wonderful garden setting and the marvellous backdrop as The Burghers are set right in front of the highly decorative Calais Town Hall (Hotel De Ville).
Written August 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SouthWalesPeter
South Wales, UK145 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
There's not a great deal to see in Calais, but this location is easy to find outside the Town hall. It is positioned in such a way for you to appreciate the force of a magnificent work by a sculptor at the height of his powers.
Written December 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyasia
bristol63 contributions
Oct 2012 • Business
rodins burghers of calais were superb!!!the lighting of blue and green transcended the rainy sky like diamonds glittering in the night!!!!the facial expressions were incredible!!!!it was simply amazing..i must return again soon
Written October 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimntmmber
Chichester, UK7 contributions
Nov 2019
At the foot of the weird clocktower - Hotel de Ville -so easy to find Plenty of free parking worth a brief detour on a day trip to the supermarket to see Rodins great sculpture
Written November 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco B
London, UK372 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
If you are visiting Calais,then Rodin’s famous ‘6 Burghers of Calais’is a must see.The sculpture looks imposing and majestic located in front of the Town Hall/Belfry of Calais.
Looks equally good from up close and afar.Great for posing and taking group pics here or solo pics.
History unfolding in front of you the 6 Burghers volunteered themselves into captivity during ‘The Hundred Years’ war,to try and save their town.Rodin captures the despair 😩 of the Burghers,perfectly..
Looks equally good from up close and afar.Great for posing and taking group pics here or solo pics.
History unfolding in front of you the 6 Burghers volunteered themselves into captivity during ‘The Hundred Years’ war,to try and save their town.Rodin captures the despair 😩 of the Burghers,perfectly..
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rayrest
London, UK7,446 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Monument of bronze statues outside the townhall in Calais. The same statues are in Victoria Tower Gardens in London. The statues were unveiled in 1889 and tell the story of the siege of Calais by the English in 1346-47 where the town would only be spared if six of its top leaders would surrender for execution. This monument depicts that moment. In the end the six leaders were spared. England went on to rule and occupy Calais untill 1558.
Written November 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
Gravesend, UK20,286 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
In the grounds of the Town Hall is the Burghers of Calais sculpture which commemorates the siege and capture of Calais by the English during the Hundred Years' War. Auguste Rodin was commissioned to create the sculpture in 1884 and was completed in 1889. The sculpture is larger than life and is in a perfect setting in the gardens of the Town Hall.
Written October 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simplyjo51
Bedford6 contributions
how to get there using public transport from the port
Ms D
Kent, UK285 contributions
Forgot to mention that this bus runs jul- 31 aug only. You maybe better off getting a cab or walking to explore.
The Burghers of Calais - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Burghers of Calais
- Hotels near The Burghers of Calais:
- (0.07 mi) Gîtes Margaux et Leonie 2. Chambres
- (0.36 mi) Hotel Meurice
- (0.18 mi) Premiere Classe Calais Centre - Gare
- (0.27 mi) Brit Hotel Calais
- (0.57 mi) La Cle d'Opale
- Restaurants near The Burghers of Calais:
- (0.06 mi) L'estaminet Le Chouchen
- (0.06 mi) Pizza Fam's
- (0.32 mi) La buissonniere
- (0.15 mi) Le Coin du Pain
- (0.30 mi) L'Atelier Gourmand