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Citadel of Amiens: A Bastion of History and Learning

Explore the Citadel of Amiens: Where history meets modern education in a stunning 17th-century fortress turned university campus.

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The Citadel of Amiens, a 17th-century pentagonal fortress, stands as a testament to the city's strategic importance and rich history. Today, it houses the University of Picardie Jules Verne, blending historical architecture with modern education.

A brief summary to The Citadel of Amiens

Local tips

  • Take a walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Visit the Galerie Souterraine de la Citadelle, a network of underground tunnels that offer a unique perspective on the fortress's history.
  • Check out the university's auditorium, which hosts theater productions and concerts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Amiens city center, such as Place Gambetta, head towards the Citadel, now part of the Université de Picardie Jules Verne. Follow signs for the Citadelle or the university. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Gare d'Amiens (Amiens train station), take the Ametis bus line N1 or N3 towards 'La Citadelle'. Get off at the 'La Citadelle' stop. From the bus stop, walk along Chem. de la Citadelle for about 5 minutes to reach the entrance. A single bus ticket costs €1.40.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Amiens city center (e.g., Gare d'Amiens) to the Citadel will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €10-€15. Specify 'Rue des Français Libres' as your destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Rue des Français Libres, 80080 Amiens. Limited parking is available near the Citadel. Parking Amiens Teinturerie is located approximately a 7-minute walk from the Citadel. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €2 per hour or €10-€15 for a full day.

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Discover more about The Citadel of Amiens

The Citadel of Amiens, located on the northern bank of the Somme River, is a remarkable historical site that has been transformed into a modern university campus. Originally constructed between 1598 and 1610 under the orders of King Henry IV, following the Spanish capture of Amiens, the Citadel was designed by Jean Errard de Bar-le-Duc to protect the northern frontier of France. The pentagonal fortress, built on the site of an ancient Roman road, features brick construction with stone chains, thick defensive walls, and three remaining bastions. Throughout its history, the Citadel served as a military stronghold, a prison, and even a place of torture during World War II. In 1999, the City of Amiens purchased the site, and under the direction of architect Renzo Piano, it was expertly transformed into a 30,000 m2 university center, which opened in 2018. Today, the Citadel is home to the University of Picardie Jules Verne, accommodating thousands of students and staff. While much of the fortress has been modernized, remnants of its military past can still be observed. Visitors can explore the ramparts, gatehouses, and the overall layout of the Citadel, providing a sense of its original grandeur and strategic importance. The former parade ground has been transformed into a public communal space, and a large park occupies the higher part of the ramparts, offering a scenic promenade. The moats and counterscarp have been replanted with trees to encourage biodiversity, creating a harmonious blend of history and nature.

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