Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer
Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer, 16th-century citadel in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.
The Citadelle Saint-Elme extends across three hectares on a hilltop, featuring thick stone walls and strategic defensive positions overlooking the Mediterranean harbor.
Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy ordered the construction of this fortress in 1554 following the designs of Italian engineer Gian Maria Olgiatti to protect against naval attacks.
The citadel houses three museums, including the Volti Foundation Museum with 180 bronze sculptures and a collection of works by contemporary masters like Joan Miró.
Visitors can access the citadel free of charge from October to May between 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:30, with extended summer hours from June to September.
The structure now combines its historical military architecture with modern functions, serving as both the Town Hall and a cultural center with an open-air theater.
Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer
GPS coordinates: 43.70140,7.31090
Latest update: May 25, 2025 00:33
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Port de la Darse
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Villa de May
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Plage des Jeunes
784 m
Mont Alban
881 m
Plage de la Darse
537 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-France du Col de Villefranche
886 m
Plage de Grasseuil
1.1 km
Scenic viewpoint
1.5 km
Scenic viewpoint
794 m
Scenic viewpoint
840 m
Bd Princesse Grace de Monaco-Rochambeau
889 m
Chapelle de la Pointe de la Rascasse
1.4 km
Torre Vecchia
464 m
Bastion de la Turbie de la Citadelle de Villefranche-sur-Mer
123 m
Le Bastionnet
511 m
Chapelle Sainte-Élisabeth de Villefranche-sur-Mer
299 m
Orgue de tribune de l'église Saint-Michel de Villefranche-sur-Mer
279 m
Quai de l'Amiral Ponchardier
390 mReviews
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