Fort de la Conchée, Saint-Malo, France

Fort de la Conchée is an island fortification constructed by Sebastien Vauban. In 1689 Vauban conducted an inspections of French coastal fortifications for King Louis XIV, who wished to strengthen and improve the country's defences. In 1693 whilst the fort was being constructed the English raided the town. They landed on Conchée where they slighted the works and captured those working on the fort.

Again in 1695 the English, with their Dutch allies, attacked the fortress. Though the fort was unfinished, ten guns had been installed, which permitted the French to repulse the attack. The battery then turned its guns on the main attacking fleet causing much damage to it. The fort was finally finished in 1705. The fortress was demilitarised in 1901.

During the Second World war the Germans used the abandoned fort for target practice. The Allies then attacked the fort during St Malo's liberation.

The fort covers almost the entire island. The fortress consists of a granite two-storey structure, with an upper terrace for the fort's armament.

References:

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Castles and fortifications in France

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Fred TRINQUIER (3 years ago)
Vauban's jewel Magical

Michel (4 years ago)
50 mn by kayak from St Malo.

Benjamin (5 years ago)
Magnificent work of our heritage. Thanks to the volunteers!

sylvie bretille (5 years ago)
Bravo for this beautiful restoration

Pierrick Legay (6 years ago)
Very good to visit. Well received. Guide well

Fort de la Conchée

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Church of St Donatus