Built on the site of the former fortified castle of the kings of Navarre, on the hill of Mendiguren, the citadel of Saint-Jean Pied de Port dominates the city from more than 70 metres, protected by walls. Built in the 17th century following the wars of religion and the Franco-Spanish conflicts, the citadel was then improved by Vauban, particularly in terms of the defensive system.
Vauban planned external works such as redoubts and fortifications for the whole town or the construction of underground passages.
In the 18th century, all the expeditions against Spain were launched from this position, during which the volunteers, then the ten Basque hunting companies under the command of the future Marshal Harispe, distinguished themselves.
A military garrison of the interior Basque Country until the 1920s, the citadel now houses the public college.
The citadel of Saint-Jean Pied de Port is part of the network of Places Fortes in the Western Pyrenees.
Saint-Jean Pied de Port Tourist Office
14, Place Charles de Gaulle,
64220 Saint-Jean-Pied de Port
Phone : 05 59 37 03 57
http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasque-tourisme.com/
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