Montmartre is without a doubt, one of the most picturesque and historic areas of Paris, but the one thing that can't be agreed on is the origin of its name. Some historians think the name was derived from martyrs killed in the area around AD 250 (latin: mons martyrium). A burial ground of Christian martyrs' bones has been found, which supports this theory. Supposedly, around this time, St Denis brought Christianity to Paris, and was promptly beheaded. You can see a statue of the headless St. Denis watching the petanque players in the square Suzanne-Buisson.

Regardless of the origin of its name, this celebrated 'village' in the middle of the city has a rich and fascinating history. Walking the area today, you can still experience many reminders of its artistic, literary and architectural heritage. For the most part there are no signs or plaques on the walls indicating a site of historical interest, so be sure to bring a good map and guidebook. A good place to get an introduction to the area and learn something of its history is the Museum of Montmartre (12, rue Cortot), more fully described in the article on artistic life on the hill.

Whereas the history of Montmartre goes back almost 2 centuries, it was the 19^th century which was responsible for making the area what it is today. Until 1860, Montmartre was an independent municipality, and was incorporated into the city to become what is now the 18^th arrondissement. The politician Georges Clemenceau [head of the French government during part of WWI and thereafter] was one of the first mayors of Montmartre.

During much of this time Paris was the artistic center of the world, and artists, sculptors and writers moved into the area because of its proximity to the center of Paris, and its cheap rents. The artist's community gave rise to cafes, studios and dance halls, which helped give Montmartre its somewhat bohemian reputation. Poorer people also moved to Montmartre in the 19^th century because of Baron Haussman's reconstructing of most of Paris.

Montmartre, because of its topography, escaped the urban renewal that today gives the rest of Paris its famous boulevards. The hill has had its share of turbulent times, too. The famous uprising of 1870, known as the Paris Commune started with the shooting of two army officers in rue du Chevalier de la Barre.

Today, Montmartre remains just a little bit isolated and different from the rest of Paris. The area has been swallowed up by greater Paris and is no longer the rural village it once was. But thanks to the efforts of various local protective and historical societies, it manages to keep a lot of its unique character.

Read Martin Loughlin's feature on the artists of Montmartre
Read Martin Loughlin's feature on the hills and staircases of Montmartre
Read Martin Loughlin's feature on the windmills and vineyard of Montmartre

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Martin Loughlin is a talented contributor to Paris Eiffel Tower News. Should you like him to write professionally for you, please contact him at  .