Verdun Citadel

The Verdun Citadel is an underground fortification beneath a main fortress structure, containing kilometres of tunnels, passages, and chambers dug into stone. The entire system connects different functional areas that supported military command and soldier accommodation.

The citadel was built as a fortification and served as the French army command centre during the Battle of Verdun in 1916. From this location, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war was coordinated.

The citadel presents the daily life of World War I soldiers through the story of a young recruit from 1913. Visitors see the rooms and chambers where soldiers slept, ate, and worked.

The underground passages maintain a cool temperature throughout the year, so warm clothing is essential regardless of season. Access to the tunnels is straightforward, and most visitors can explore the site without significant difficulty.

Visitors travel through the tunnels in automated cable cars while wearing digital headsets that display historical reconstructions of life in 1916. This creates an immersive experience that brings history to life in the underground spaces.