This website requires JavaScript.

A little history of Neuf-Brisach citadel

Aerial view | Psu973 / CC-BY-SA
Fortification Vauban Neuf-Brisach citadel

Louis XIV, owing to the treaty of Ryswick which put end to the Nine Years War, lost the German stronghold of Vieux-Brisach, conquered few years later.

In order to make up for this lost, the king asked his military architect Vauban to raise a citadel to defend the left bank of river Rhine: Neuf-Brisach!

Built in the end of the 17th century, the little city perfectly straight was truly a military stronghold and it needed soldiers!

In 1698, king promised privileges and exemption from taxes to families who came here.

The citadel is an octagon flanked by a casemate on each angle. In the barracks, 3 000 soldiers and a hundred horses could live there.

We still can see ditches, fortifications, bridges, triumphant gates, but the place suffered a lot in 1870: it was shelled and rebuilt in 1875.

Restored in the 20th century, Neuf-Brisach is nowadays lists as Unesco World Heritage!

About the the author

Vinaigrette
I'm fond of strolls and History, with juicy and spicy details!