Citadelle d'Entrevaux

Following incursions of Saracens and the razing of the old town of Glandèves, which became a bishopric no later than the sixth century, the more defensible site of medieval Entrevaux was founded in the 11th century on the rocky spur in an angle of the river; the oldest recorded name is Interrivos and dates from 1040.

In 1536, Entrevaux fell to the troops of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, betrayed by its lord Jacques Glandeves; half the population was massacred. The remaining population staged an uprising, cutting the throat of the governor, and offered the town to the French Dauphin, King François I. In recognition of this, Entrevaux was given the Municipal charter (city law model) of Avignon and declared a royal town of France, with its inhabitants exempt from taxation.

n 1690 the military architect Vauban drew up plans to further fortify the town, due to its strategic position guarding the valley of the Var and on the border with Savoy. Although not completed in full, the citadel perched high above the town was strengthened, particularly on the more accessible side closest to the hilltops, and a protected walkway constructed up the side of the mountain from the town.

The citadel was last used during World War I as a prison for German officers. At the heart of this fortress perched 156 meters above the village, step back in time and imagine life in the dungeon, its former dungeons and its underground passages.

Address

Entrevaux, France

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)