Belle-Île-en-Mer Citadel

Belle-Île, France

The first fort in Belle-Île island was built in 1540 by François of Rohan. It was heavily reconstructed as a large fortress in 1683-1689 according the design of famous fortress architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. In 1761-63 it was besieged and occupied by the English fleet. Since 1960 it has been a Museum hotel.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1540
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

More Information

www.citadellevauban.com

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Paul Nadjar (4 years ago)
You will need around 90 minutes for the visit. Take the time . It's really a great visit
Danilo Tabaro (4 years ago)
The citadelle Belle-Ile is not so nice but all the island is wounderfull. It is a must see
Bandza Masumu (6 years ago)
It's in the vicinity of Down town. Map is very explicit about the order of visiting points. Visited up to the 20th only as there are some works happening there currently. Superb view on the Harbour.
Stephen Block (6 years ago)
Incredible fortress. Museum inside which tells the story of the site and of the island also interesting
Ange GILLET (6 years ago)
Magnifique lieu chargé d histoire et que dire de cette vue ! je conseil vivement ...
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

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.