Citadel of Besançon, Military fortress on Mount Saint-Etienne, Besançon, France.
The Citadel of Besançon is a military fortress positioned on a hilltop overlooking the Doubs River. It features three successive bastions surrounded by tall walls that spread across an expansive grounds, forming a complex defensive structure.
Construction began in 1668 under the engineer Vauban, following King Louis XIV's conquest of the Franche-Comté region. The fortress was designed to defend French territory against neighboring powers and remains a key example of 17th century military architecture.
Three museums inside the fortress tell stories about the region's past and World War II. Walking through them, you get a sense of how this place shaped the lives of local people across different eras.
The fortress is open year-round and reachable by local bus from downtown. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are hilly with various paths to explore throughout the site.
Beneath the fortress lies a preserved 17th century tunnel system called Communication 110. These underground passages reveal how soldiers could move secretly within the fortification.
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