Citadelle Saint-Elme, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

To protect the County of Nice from invaders, the Duke of Savoy built the Saint-Elme citadel in the 16th century, together with the satellite fortresses of Mont-Alban and Saint-Hospice, and the port of La Darse where the galleys were moored. These constructions entrusted to Italian engineers were fore-runners of a new type of bastion fortification. Today, this remarkable complex (7.5 acres) accommodates the Town Hall, the Volti, Goetz-Boumeester Museums and the Roux Collection.

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French Riviera Tourism

Castles and fortifications in France

User Reviews

Haroon Hammad (5 years ago)
Calm & wonderful place, far from tourists, there are couple of nice sea food restaurants

Anca Stan (6 years ago)
Such a nice place with lovely narrow streets and amazing view.

Stephen Lee (6 years ago)
Very large ground and nice garden to walk around. Also some exhibits to see. Free admission. Very enjoyable.

David Choi (6 years ago)
It's free and very photogenic! Go in and have a look. No crowds

Pete Watts (6 years ago)
Lovely fort! Free entry, various gardens to explore, and great views of Villefranche.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

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History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

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Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Citadelle Saint-Elme

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