La Citadelle de Lille Tourism

La Citadelle de Lille, often referred to as the 'Queen of the citadels', is a historic fortress situated in the city of Lille, in northern France. Designed by the renowned military architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and constructed from 1667 to 1670, it was built under the orders of King Louis XIV. This pentagon-shaped citadel was part of a double line of fortified towns protecting France from the Spanish Netherlands and was once a vital component of the country's defense strategy. The structure's impressive bastions, curtain walls, and moat are characteristic of Vauban’s genius. Though it continues to be used for military purposes and thus parts of it are restricted, areas of the citadel are open to the public for visits and walks, especially the beautiful park surrounding it. It is a prime example of military architecture of the 17th century and has been nicknamed 'the green lung' of Lille due to its extensive park and green spaces.