The Burghers of Calais

The Burghers of Calais, by Rodin

The Burghers of Calais is a masterpiece by the sculptor Auguste Rodin, in front of the town hall. The Calais audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this poignant monument, which commemorates the sacrifice of six notables during the siege of 1347.

The sacrifice of the six burghers

The sculpted group of the Burghers of Calais is one of the most famous works of Auguste Rodin. It commemorates, with gravity, an episode of the siege of Calais in 1347, during the Hundred Years' War: to spare the starving town, six notables surrendered to the King of England, ready to give their lives, with the rope around their necks and dressed in simple shirts. Rodin captured with a moving force their faces marked by fear, resignation and courage, far from triumphant heroism. This poignant work, which honours sacrifice and human dignity, stands in front of the town hall and is contemplated with respect and emotion.

What to see

Here you contemplate, with respect and emotion, the famous sculpted group by Rodin, which captures with force the faces of the six notables ready to sacrifice themselves to save the town during the siege of 1347, in front of the town hall. The Burghers of Calais honour sacrifice and human dignity. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The group of the Burghers of Calais lies in front of the town hall, in the heart of Calais, reachable on foot. It is an open-air work, freely visible from the public space. You discover it with respect during a walk in the centre.

What do Rodin's Burghers of Calais commemorate?

The sacrifice of six notables who, during the siege of 1347 during the Hundred Years' War, surrendered to the King of England, ready to give their lives to spare the starving town.

Where are the Burghers of Calais?

In front of the town hall, in the heart of Calais, in France.