Fort de Bellegarde facts for kids
The Fort de Bellegarde is an old fortress from the 1600s. It's also known as Fort or Castell de Bellaguarda in Catalan. You can find it high above the town of Le Perthus in southern France. This strong fort is located in the Pyrénées-Orientales area.
Contents
History of Fort Bellegarde
How Le Perthus Became French
The town of Le Perthus became part of France after a special agreement called the Treaty of the Pyrenees. This treaty was signed in 1659. It helped define the border between France and Spain.
Battles and Changes at the Fort
The Fort de Bellegarde has seen many battles. In 1674, Spanish forces captured the fort. But just one year later, in 1675, a French general named Schomberg took it back.
A famous military engineer named Vauban designed new plans for the fort in 1678. These plans made the fort even stronger.
During the War of the Pyrenees, the fort was attacked twice. Spanish forces surrounded it from May to June in 1793. Then, French forces besieged it from May to September in 1794.
The Fort in World War II
Many years later, during World War II, the fort had a different role. The Gestapo, a secret police force, used it as a prison. They held escaped prisoners of war and enemy agents there.
Visiting Fort Bellegarde Today
When You Can Visit
Today, the Fort de Bellegarde is open for people to visit. You can explore it between June and September each year. It's a great place to learn about history.
What You Can See Inside
Inside the fort, you'll find interesting exhibits. These shows tell the story of the fort's past. You can also learn about its archaeology. This means finding out about old objects and structures. The exhibits also share information about the area around the fort.
A Protected Historical Site
The French Ministry of Culture recognized the fort's importance. In 1967, they listed it as a monument historique. This means it's a protected historical site. It is owned by the state.
More to Explore
- Le Perthus Pyramid
- Els Límits
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte de Bellegarde para niños
