Lagarde Fort, Military fort in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France.
Lagarde Fort is a military stronghold in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste with about forty rooms arranged around a central round tower. The structure includes an armory, chapel, kitchen, powder magazine, and military living areas.
A 1307 signal tower called "Lagardia" stood on the site under the kings of Aragon. After the 1659 Treaty of the Pyrenees made Prats-de-Mollo a border town, the medieval castle of Perella was reinforced in 1670, then demolished six years later. From 1677 Vauban directed construction of the present fort, whose star-shaped keep was built in 1677 and whose core was completed in 1686; work continued until the 19th century.
The fort's name comes from the medieval watchtower 'Lagardia', built in 1307 and later enclosed within the star-shaped keep. The round tower at the centre of the fort is that original signal tower, kept when Vauban's fortifications were added. The fort is a classified historical monument.
The fort can be reached by three routes: a traditional hiking path, an underground passage with around 140 steps, or a seasonal shuttle service. Visitors should plan for different physical demands depending on their chosen route.
The round Tour de la Guardia, a 1307 signal tower, was kept and now stands inside the star-shaped keep. The underground passage linking the fort to Prats-de-Mollo was dug in the 18th century and emerges a few dozen metres from the town walls.
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