The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, originally built in the late 14th century to defend the eastern approach to the city. Over time, it became known as a state prison used by the kings of France, symbolizing royal authority and oppression. Its storming on July 14, 1789, marked a significant event in the French Revolution, representing the people's uprising against tyranny. The fall of the Bastille is celebrated annually in France as Bastille Day, a national holiday. This event signified the beginning of the end for the monarchy and the rise of the republic. Today, the site of the Bastille is a public square, known as the Place de la Bastille.