Citadelle d'Amiens, Citadel in Amiens, France
The Citadelle d'Amiens is a pentagonal fortress begun in the early 17th century by Jean Errard on the site of the former Porte Montrescu. Its main south entrance, the Porte Royale, was built in 1620 and used until 1859. Two bastions were demolished in 1962 during road widening, and the army vacated the site in 1999.
King Henry IV ordered its construction between 1598 and 1610 following a Spanish occupation of Amiens, with architect Jean Errard leading the design. This defensive structure aimed to prevent future attacks on the city.
The fortress now serves as a home for university departments and research facilities. This transformation shows how a former military stronghold has become a place for learning and intellectual work.
Visitors can explore the fortress on guided tours lasting around 90 minutes that explain the defensive system. Access is easy from Avenue Charles de Gaulle, where you'll find the main entrance.
Archaeological digs at the site uncovered artifacts from the 1st to 3rd centuries, including a necropolis from the late Roman period. These discoveries show the ground held importance well before the fortress was built.
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