THE CITADELLE
From the Esplanade de la Roche, the arrangement of which dates from 1780–1783, there is a fine view of the Meuse valley and the prairies known as Pré-l’Evêque.
The entrance to the Citadelle opens on the Esplanade de la Roche, while the Citadelle proper occupies the site of the ancient Abbey and Church of St. Vanne, erected in the Merovingian Period and 15th century on the hill where, in the days of Clovis, the Dragon with poisoned breath was said to live. According to the legend St. Vanne first tamed the dragon, then led it to the River Meuse, where it was drowned.
THE CITADEL BUILDINGS AFTER THE BOMBARDMENTS OF 1916
(Photographed in 1917)
The first Citadelle was begun in 1552, continued under Henri IV. by Errard, and finished in 1630 under Governor Marillac. The second was the work of Vauban (1670–1682). The church of St. Vanne was included and preserved in both citadelles, but was later pulled down (1831–1835) by order of the Military Authorities. The old Gothic cloister was spared and turned into barracks in 1835. It was destroyed by the German bombardment during the siege of 1870. Of the Abbey, only a square Roman Tower of the 11th century remains (see [photo below]).
THE CITADEL AND ST. VANNE TOWER, WITH WIRELESS ANTENNA.
THE CITADEL RAMPARTS AND NEUVE GATE.
(Entrance to the town by the G. C. 34, continued by the Rue de Rû.
See [coloured plan] between pp. 30 and 31.)
DORMITORY IN THE CASEMATES.