Place Dalida
The Place Dalida (French pronunciation: [plas dalıda]) is the square of Montmartre, Paris, dedicated to the diva of French music, Dalida.
History
Dalida loved the neighborhood of Montmartre, where she lived. To honor her, Paris devoted her a square, a large empty corner of two Montmartre streets. The idea to honour the diva came from the first decade of her career, so in the same year of her death it was obvious that the plan must be realised soon. Proposals and ideas came from the whole word, especially from the France an Europe. Personal ones were sent from Asia and there were a large amount ones from the Americas, mostly Latin. French Ministry of culture and Paris government had it on the primarily task list. Because Dalida was very important and beloved person in France, French civil servants took the case seriously so at the end the plan ended in the French Parliament. There, it was voted 100% for the square to be erected on Montmartre hill. The idea for the bust was left to her brother Orlando. Place Dalida was opened in late April 1997, to mark the 10th anniversary of divas death.
Description
The square is a connection of two picturesquely Montmartre streets, Rue Girardon and Rue de l'Abreuvoir. Rue Girardon spreads from south to the north and it connects with the Rue de l'Abreuvoir. From that point, Rue de l'Abreuvoir spreads in direction west-east an by that it makes an L shaped street.
Dalida Square is a modest plateau, 19 meters long and 13 meters wide. It is completely surrounded by houses with infield gardens so the whole view on the square is idyllic.
Three trees are surrounding the main attraction, the bronze bust. Placed on the five blocks of nice cutted granite stones, the bust reflects Dalida with her distinct look. The bust is bronze and natural sized. It was made by fine and well known French artist Aslan. Looking with the busts eyes, you have a view on a Rue de l'Abreuvoir. In the far background of view the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is well seen.
On the highest stone block on the statue, one underneath the bust, there is a engraved plague saying; " YOLANDA GIGLIOTT, dite DALIDA, chanteuse comédienne, 1933-1987" (eng. "YOLANDA GIGLIOTT, known as DALIDA, singer actress, 1933-1987)
