The Bastilha was a fortress in Paris, originally built in the late 14th century to defend the eastern approach to the city. Over time, it became a state prison used by the kings of France, symbolizing the tyranny of the monarchy. Its storming on July 14, 1789, marked a significant event in the French Revolution, representing the uprising against oppressive rule. The fall of the Bastilha is celebrated annually in France as Bastille Day, a national holiday that commemorates the beginning of the revolution and the fight for liberty and equality. The site is now a symbol of freedom and the struggle against oppression.