FortressBesançon

Citadelle de Besançon

Citadelle de Besançon

The Fortress can be visited
School


The Citadel of Besançon is an impressive fortress that stands prominently above the city of Besançon in France. It is considered a landmark of the region and attracts numerous visitors annually, who are fascinated by its historical significance and architectural mastery.

History+

The construction of the Citadel of Besançon, as it is known today, took place between 1678 and 1771 under the direction of the famous military engineer Vauban. It was built on Mont Saint-Étienne and replaced the older Fort Griffon in its function. Fort Griffon, whose origins date back to the architect Jean Griffoni in 1595, was also extensively redesigned by Vauban and later sold by the army in 1947.

Location+

The fortress is located in Besançon in the Doubs department, within the Franche-Comté region of France. It sits at an elevation of approximately 329 meters above sea level, overlooking the Doubs river loop that stretches far below.

On site+

Today, the Citadel of Besançon is a vibrant place accessible to visitors. It houses various facilities, including a Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, a museum depicting life in Franche-Comté, as well as a regional archaeological office and a zoo. The former Fort Griffon now serves, among other things, as a school building.

Nearby+
  • Château de Montfaucon (castle), approx. 3.8 km away
  • Château de Gy (castle), approx. 25.5 km away
  • Château de Moissey (château), approx. 38.6 km away
  • Schloss d'Ivernois (Môtiers) (château), approx. 56.6 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Citadelle_Besan%C3%A7on.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 47.2313, 6.0328