Arras citadel, Military fortress in Arras, France.
Arras citadel is a pentagon-shaped fortress with five ramparts and bastions built to house hundreds of soldiers. Inside sit powder magazines, barracks, and other military structures arranged within stone walls.
The fortress was built under King Louis XIV as part of France's defense strategy for the north. Architect Vauban designed it between 1668 and 1672 as one of his major fortification projects.
The Mur des Fusillés memorial inside honors those who lost their lives during World War II occupation. This space serves as a place where visitors reflect on the region's difficult past.
Visitors enter through Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, where guided tours and walking paths around the fortification are available. The best time to visit is during dry weather, as many paths along the ramparts are open to the elements.
The fortress earned the nickname 'la belle inutile' because it was never attacked during its military service. This peaceful history makes it a rare example of a Vauban fortification from the 17th century that survives nearly unchanged.
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