A defense to the glory ofKing Louis XIV
In the 17th century, Lille was still attached to the Spanish Netherlands. Louis XIV and his troops put an end to this annexation in 1667. Lille became part of the Kingdom of France. The Sun King decided to build a strategic and military edifice, a veritable ode to his glory: fleur-de-lys, crown, multiple representations of the sun, armor from imperial Rome… The citadel represents the first visible transition from Baroque to Classical style in the 17th century. Its chapel is the oldest classical-style building in Lille.
Porte Royale Citadelle Lille Tourism 7 Min
Parc de la CitadelleThe Citadelle, listed asHistorical monument
The Citadelle of Lille has been a listed historic monument since 2012. Today, the building is still used for military purposes: it houses the Rapid Reaction Corps – France (CRR-Fr). This is the French army’s most powerful deployable operational headquarters. It houses 450 soldiers from 14 allied nations. That’s why it’s so difficult to get through the gates of the “queen of the citadels”. Difficult… but not impossible if you’re accompanied by the Lille Tourist Office!
