A fortified prison built on the city wall of Paris, France, between 1370 and 1382 in the reign of Charles V. Used by Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIII’s Minister, it became an infamous state prison in the 17th century. During the French Revolution it was completely demolished after being stormed on 14 July 1789. The prison is remembered in the name of a huge square, the Place de la Bastille, and a national holiday (Bastille Day) held annually on 14 July.