Sisteron Citadel

Sisteron, France

Between Provence and Dauphiné, dominating the cluse where the Durance flows, the Citadelle of Sisteron dominates the sky, crowning the town with its walls, bastions and keep. The view from here is breathtaking, stretching for 150 km and offering one of the finest vantage points in Haute Provence. It bears witness to eight centuries of architecture and history. The keep and sentry walk, built on the narrow rocky spine, date back to the 12th century. The tiered bastioned enclosures dating from the 16th century of the Vauban project, designed in 1692, only the powder magazine was built.

Major alterations were carried out on the north face in the mid-19th century. It was at this time that the magnificent underground staircase linking the fortress to the town was carved out of the rock.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.citadelledesisteron.fr

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jane King (2 months ago)
Not for those with mobility issues! Lots of steps and several with no hand rails. It’s a circular route so once you start, you are committed- hard work on a hot day! Otherwise, an amazing place to visit with great views and lots of history.
Yuib Kys (2 months ago)
Beautiful and authentic. The signs are nearly placed so you walk in a circle through it and see everything
bob Rowley (5 months ago)
Visited the lovely town of Sisteron and found a parking spot in the centre of town ( free of charge on a sunday) Well worth a visit to see the old town surrounded by imposing mountains.
Miguel Cornelisse (15 months ago)
Beautiful citadel on top of the mountain. The price of the tickets to enter are all worth it. We visited on a super warm day but we were prepared and bring enough water. When following the patch (Green arrows) there is lots of information provided about the history of the Citadel and the Historical city of Sisteron. I can't remember exactly but there were like 12 or maybe even more defensive lines built in the complex of the Citadel. Impressive system made of pull up bridges, small stairs, arrow / shooting holes, watch towers. Invaders did not make a change thinking about that. Very interesting! There is a possibility to go all the way to the highest point into the tower on top of the Citadel. Stunning view from there but actually the view is amazing from everywhere. Not recommended to go on flip flops because of the walking up and downhill.
Eddy Khoo (20 months ago)
Wow! Wow! Wow! Talk about awesomeness, this is one of it. Put on your walking/hiking shoes then work up a bit of sweat but well worth it. Entrance per adult is €7.10, which is a steal with the views that this citadel presents. “A picture speaks a thousand words”.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Clementinum

The Clementinum is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries, the City Library also being located nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. The Technical library and the Municipal library have moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6 since 2009. It is currently in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic.

Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.