Citadel of Doullens, Military citadel in Doullens, France.
The Citadel of Doullens is a military fortress in northern France built with sturdy brick walls, four corner bastions, and an extensive network of underground tunnels. The fortification covers a large area and features multiple defensive structures designed to withstand attacks from all directions.
The fortress was built in 1530 and was the first citadel of its kind in France, designed by architect Jean Errard. It was created in response to threats from Spanish forces operating from the Netherlands and influenced how France would build defensive structures for centuries to come.
The fortress walls carry marks and scratches left by soldiers during World War I, revealing personal messages and names etched into the stone. These traces offer glimpses of the daily lives of those who lived and worked within these walls.
The site is large and spread out, so wearing sturdy shoes and dressing for the season are good ideas. Guided tours are offered and help visitors understand the underground areas and the fortress layout more clearly.
Each May, the historic military fortification becomes a gathering place for plant enthusiasts when specialized nursery growers display their collections there. This annual event shows how a place shaped by military purposes occasionally serves a completely different community.
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