Citadel facts for kids

A citadel is a super strong fortress. It's built mainly to protect towns or castles from attacks or disasters. Sometimes, citadels were built for other reasons too. The oldest known citadels were found in the Indus Valley Civilization. People think they might have been a symbol of power, but no one is completely sure.

In a fortified area with strong walls, the citadel is always the toughest part. It might be deep inside the outer walls or even form part of them to save space. Its main job is to be the very last line of defense. If enemies break through other parts of the fortress, the citadel is where everyone makes their final stand. In a medieval castle, the citadel was often the third part, with walls even higher than the rest. It was the last defense before the main keep itself.

History of Citadels

Vauban's citadel of Neuf Brisach (France)

In Ancient Greece, the Acropolis was very important. It served as a safe place and a stronghold during danger. It also held military supplies, food, and important religious shrines. The most famous one is the Acropolis of Athens. But almost every Greek city-state had its own. The Acrocorinth was known for being a particularly strong fortress.

Modern Citadels (1820–present)

The Citadelle of Québec in Canada is a great example. Its construction started in 1673 and finished in 1820. It is still the largest citadel in North America used by the military today. It's home to the Royal 22nd Regiment of Canada. It's also part of the old fortified walls of Vieux-Québec, which date back to 1608.

Citadels Today

The Citadelle of Québec, Québec City (Canada)

Since the mid-20th century, citadels have changed. Now, they are often military command centers. These centers are built to survive attacks, especially from the air or even nuclear bombs.

One example is the Military citadels under London. This includes a huge underground complex called Pindar. It's located beneath the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom. Another example is the Cheyenne Mountain nuclear bunker in the United States. These modern "citadels" protect important operations.

Images for kids

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  Reconstruction of the redoubt of Bibracte, a part of the Gaulish oppidum. The Celts used these fortified cities in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.

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  Although much of Nice was ransacked during the 1543 siege of the city, Franco-Ottoman forces besieging Nice were unable to capture its Citadel. Citadels have often been used as a last defence for a besieged army.

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  The Royal 22nd Regiment's home garrison is the Citadelle of Quebec in Canada. The citadel is the largest still in military operation in North America.

In this seventeenth-century plan of the fortified city of Casale Monferrato the citadel is the large star-shaped structure on the left.

See also

In Spanish: Ciudadela para niños