Citadelle de Saint-Florent, 15th-century coastal fortification in Saint-Florent, France.
The Citadelle de Saint-Florent is a 15th-century coastal fortress featuring a central tower, two round turrets, and a square tower that overlook the Gulf of Saint-Florent and its harbor. The site contains multiple sections of fortifications that reflect different periods of construction and reinforcement.
The fortress was founded in 1440 by Giano I di Campofregoso, the Genoese Doge, to defend the coastline. Over the following centuries, especially during the 16th and 18th centuries, it underwent multiple expansions and updates to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The citadel remains a defining landmark for the coastal town and shapes how locals and visitors understand the area's identity. Walking through it, you sense the layered presence of different rulers who left their mark on this fortification.
The site is located on Route de la Citadelle in Saint-Florent and is visible from land and water, making it easy to find. It is best to wear sturdy footwear since paths can be uneven and some structures are undergoing restoration work.
Inside the fortress is a powder magazine built in 1632 that was later converted into a prison, and it shows significant damage from World War 2. This structure reveals how the fortress shifted its purpose over time as different needs emerged.
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