Castle Cornet, Military fortress at Saint Peter Port, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Castle Cornet is a stone fortress standing at the entrance to Saint Peter Port harbor, built with defensive walls and bastions overlooking the water. Inside, four separate museums display military artifacts and objects from the island's past.
The fortress was built in 1206 after King John lost Normandy to France, and it grew over centuries as conflicts between England and France continued. The structure was regularly updated with new fortifications as military technology and threats changed.
The castle displays exhibitions about local military units and their role in protecting the island through centuries of conflict. Visitors can see uniforms, weapons, and personal objects that reflect how soldiers lived and worked in this fortress.
The fortress is reached by a causeway and offers viewing points across the harbor and sea from different levels of the structure. There are walking paths through the bastions, so wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since there are many stairs and uneven surfaces.
Each day at noon during the open season, uniformed guards fire a real cannon in a ceremony that has continued for over 300 years. This ritual marks the midday hour and is one of the few places where visitors can still witness this old military tradition today.
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