Louvre Palace

The Louvre began its life in the late twelfth century as a rugged, utilitarian fortress built to guard the western flank of Paris against potential invaders. King Philippe Auguste ordered the construction of a massive central keep, surrounded by a deep, wet moat and a curtain wall with ten defensive towers. You can still see these foundations today by visiting the lower levels of the museum, where the original stones and the remains of the medieval moat still stand exactly where they were placed over eight hundred years ago.