Château de Courtrai, Medieval fortress in Lille, France
Château de Courtrai is a medieval fortress in Lille that occupied a large rectangular area surrounded by thick walls and a moat. These defensive structures were connected to the nearby Basse Deûle and served for military control.
The fortress was built beginning in 1299 under King Philip IV of France to secure control in the Flanders region after conflicts in 1297. This structure was a key tool for strengthening French rule over the border areas.
The fortress served as the governor's headquarters and housed military facilities that reflected French royal authority in the region. These structures show how the kingdom's power was made visible through architecture and administrative presence.
The site is accessible today through ongoing archaeological excavations that continuously reveal artifacts and structural remains. Visitors gain direct insight into medieval military architecture through visible foundations and wall remnants.
The fortress had two different gates: one facing the city for urban access and another toward the countryside for strategic purposes. This dual orientation reflects how the structure functioned as both an urban and rural stronghold.
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