Fort de Salses, Salses-le-Château

Nestled in the charming town of Salses-le-Château, the imposing Fort de Salses stands as a sentinel to history in the South of France. This fortress, a masterpiece of military architecture, was constructed in the late 15th century under the orders of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

Fort de Salses was strategically built to serve as a defensive stronghold at the French-Spanish border. Its design is a unique amalgamation of medieval castle features and Renaissance architecture, making it an intriguing site for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike. The fortress was crafted to withstand artillery attacks, a relatively new development in warfare at the time of its construction.

Visitors to Fort de Salses can explore the thick walls, which reach up to 10 meters in width, providing an insight into the innovative defensive strategies of the era. The fortress also boasts a deep moat, drawbridges, and a complex system of dungeons and storerooms, all designed to withstand long sieges.

Today, the fort is open to the public and offers guided tours that bring to life the rich history of the region. Tourists can wander through the echoing chambers and climb the ramparts to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Roussillon plains.