Grand Statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans France
The streets around St. Croix Cathedral are charming, rows of half timbered houses, shops and restaurants, pleasant sights as we walked towards the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans. There were plenty of directions towards this center of old city.
Actually walking tours of Orleans city start from this place. When we first arrived at Orleans by road we were thoroughly confused by the lanes and the cross roads. Garmin maps couldn’t locate the exact place of the statue. So with St Croix Cathedral as reference we walked on and ended our tour of Orleans here.
Why statue of Joan of Arc significant in Orleans?
Dressed as a male knight, Joan of Arc was indistinguishable from her male counterparts and fought the English bravely. She led the French to victory over English at Orléans.
The French revere Joan of Arc as a heroine and a saviour of their country. She was beatified by the Catholic Church in the early 1900s.
The French consider her as one of history’s greatest saints, and an enduring symbol of French unity and nationalism. They worshiped her as someone sent from God. She was a highly determined warrior who never believed in negotiating. She would march straight into battle without any doubt or hesitation. Such personality drew her lot of admirers and followers.
It was important for me to find the statue because I wanted to show to my daughters what a brave girl, 19 years of age, did for her country! There is a very important lesson here. It would surely help them to relate to their history lessons.
Prior to this we saw statue of Joan of Arc in Amiens Cathedral too.
Joan of Arc Officially Canonized
For beatification promoters have to provide 4 authentic miracles. In Joan’s case, the Pope granted dispensation of 1 miracle because she had saved France. Other 3 miracles were documented by 3 nuns, all living in France. They received documented cures attributed to Joan of Arc’s intervention. These miracles were accepted as authentic.
After beatification, for the next step of canonization 2 more miracles were required. Two miracles attributed to Joan of Arc which sealed her sainthood were: one, a healing from tuberculosis and two, the healing of a hole in the sole of a woman’s foot.
Joan of Arc, also known as Maid of Orleans, was officially canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920. She was was beatified in the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.
Can you believe she was only 18 when she led the army of France into battle? At the age of 19, in 1431, she was captured and burned at the stake by the English. Such a horrific end to a brave soul!
Grand Statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans France
The magnificent statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans is at Place of Martroi. It is a golden bronze one, gift from the people of France to Orleans. The statue was put up in 1972. The original 1880 Emmanuel Fremiet equestrian statue of Joan is located at Place des Pyramides, Paris.
Inscription at the base of statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans reads:
JOAN OF ARC
MAID OF ORLEANS
1412 – 1431
Gift of the People of France
Inscription at the base – Joan of arc France
When to Visit Orleans
If you are an ardent fan of Joan of Arc, try to be there on 6th of Jan which is her birthday. There is an annual parade in her honor that day. Her memory is thus kept alive!
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Her story is incredible for a single woman, especially for her time!
nice statue of the young woman.
Great shot of Joan of Arc on her horse. It's a pity the sky was so grey, I hope it didn't rain …
Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.
Beautiful Indrani!
Nice!
Good shots Indrani
Greetings, Joop
Great!
This statue made me dig th ebrain archives To recollect what i know abt her:)
Beautiful statue!
heard and read so much about her, but the closest we have got to her is her statue in Pondy… going there must have been awesome!
Magnificent indeed!
Very impressive statue!Happy SWF!
great
I heard abt this brave girl in my school days
What an impressive statue!
A great woman, the statue is nice and interesting.
Impressive statue on an amazing woman.
Philadelphia, my childhood city, has a Joan statue, but she is gold with pennants flying. this Joan is the warrior weary of battle, yet beautiful in her faith. Thank You
Wishing YOU
a happy Valentine's Day from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
Wonderful statue! I would like to see the parade in her honor. Thanks for sharing, have a happy day!
Looks majestic..
Beautiful statue and she is indeed and iconic woman. Wonderful captures as always, Indrani!
lovely statue of an iconic woman.