Citadel of Lille, Lille (must see)
King Louis XIV captured Lille from Spanish occupation in 1668. Shortly after marching in triumph through the Gate of the Sick, Louis commissioned his military engineer and architect, Paul Vauban, to fortify the city and the border between France and Flanders. The Citadel of Lille, the "Queen of Citadels" was Vauban's creation.
The citadel was the lynch pin to a complex of fortifications also designed by Vauban which firmly secured France's northern corner against invasion. Vauban established a double line of 28 fortified cities in this defense complex. The double line extended between Gravelines, Dunkirk and Maubeuge-Rocoi.
The citadel was situated on marshland between the rivers Delle and Bucquet. With a system of locks and gates the surrounding areas around the citadel could be flooded without warning. The fort is made in the form of a pentagon. The pentagon in turn is further defended by outer walls. This design was present in all Vauban's military works.
Several elements and components of the Citadel have been classified as historic monuments in 1914, 1921 and 1934.
The citadel was the lynch pin to a complex of fortifications also designed by Vauban which firmly secured France's northern corner against invasion. Vauban established a double line of 28 fortified cities in this defense complex. The double line extended between Gravelines, Dunkirk and Maubeuge-Rocoi.
The citadel was situated on marshland between the rivers Delle and Bucquet. With a system of locks and gates the surrounding areas around the citadel could be flooded without warning. The fort is made in the form of a pentagon. The pentagon in turn is further defended by outer walls. This design was present in all Vauban's military works.
Several elements and components of the Citadel have been classified as historic monuments in 1914, 1921 and 1934.
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Citadel of Lille on Map
Sight Name: Citadel of Lille
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lille, France (See walking tours in Lille)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Lille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lille Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed in France the "Capital of Flanders", Lille and its surroundings belong to the historical region of Romance Flanders. Legend has it that in 620 AD, Salvaert, Prince of Dijon, passed through the region with his pregnant wife when he was attacked and killed by the local lord Phinaert The Giant. Years later, his son Lyderic avenged his father by killing the Giant and founded the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Lille's Historical Buildings Tour
Historically, Lille's architecture differs from that of other French cities. Prior to being invaded by Louis XIV in 1667, Lille was Flemish, which is evident in its red-brick and other structures, quite uncommon for the rest of France.
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Among many things, Lille is reputed for its fabulous historic center, abounding in time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, offering a great deal of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles