Carcassonne

Jean-Pierre Cros-Meyrevieille, Mayor of Carcassonne and also an archaeologist, was instrumental in saving the ruined fortress of Carcassonne after a decree for its demolition was issued in 1849. He successfully campaigned to save the historic monument, and rebuilding work, overseen by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, started in 1853. This statue stands in the centre of the city which he saved.