Fort de Brescou

Agde, France

Located off the coast of the Cap d’Agde, the Fort de Brescou is built on top of the submerged part of an old undersea volcano. It was Cardinal de Richelieu’s dream to make it the entrance to a great port, but the work was stopped after his death.

Built by the Vicomte de Joyeuse in 1586, its primary role was to defend. Unfortunately, its modest fortifications were unable to withstand Montmorency’s revolt and it was completely destroyed in 1632.

Restored from a ruin, it was rebuilt how we see it today in 1680, probably using Vauban's plans.It became a state prison in the 18th century.The site can be viewed from a boat but can no longer be visited.

References:

Destination Languedoc

Castles and fortifications in France

Address

Agde, France

See all sites in Agde

Details

Founded: 1586
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Agde Cathedral (6,2 km)

Archbishop's Palace (41,3 km)
Narbonne Cathedral (41,3 km)
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (52,5 km)
Musée Fabre (49,4 km)
Montpellier Botanical Garden (49,1 km)
Montpellier Cathedral (49,2 km)
Béziers Cathedral (25,1 km)
Valmagne Abbey (25,4 km)
Pont du Diable (49,6 km)

User Reviews

Bea Bea (5 years ago)
Very nice fort to visit

Sylvie DA CUNHA (5 years ago)
Very good and good time A boat trip before Delicious sardines Chilled wine Very generous Very friendly and attentive staff Lots of regulars

Laurent ROC (5 years ago)
Must.

Fag “Fabfagla” Fab (5 years ago)
Beautiful place

David Juster (7 years ago)
Brilliant boat trip. Friendly staff onboard

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.