Fort du Roule, Military fortress on Roule Mountain in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
Fort du Roule is a fortification complex on Roule Mountain featuring multiple levels with underground tunnels, casemates, and artillery positions. The site overlooks Cherbourg harbor and the surrounding urban area.
The fortress was built in 1793 to defend against English attacks and received major renovations in 1853 under Napoleon III. It served as a strategic position during World War II defending the city.
The Liberation Museum occupies the upper section and displays exhibits about the Battle of Cherbourg and regional military history. Visitors can explore how local people experienced the conflict through the displayed materials.
Visitors reach the site via the Montée des Résistants road, which provides access to observation points with views of the city and harbor. Wear appropriate footwear as the climb is steep and the pathways can be uneven.
A specialized military school for nuclear energy applications operates within the former German storage tunnels. This unexpected use shows how the spaces were repurposed after the war for scientific training.
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