Citadel

history · architecture · defense

Fortress within a city. A citadel is the most protected area in a town or city, built as a castle, fortress, or fortified center where people could retreat if enemies attacked.

Defensive core. Citadels served as the last stronghold for a city's defense, meaning soldiers and important people could hold out there even if the rest of the city was conquered.

A tiny city name. The word citadel comes from the word city and means little city, because it was smaller than the full city but acted as its protective heart.

Found worldwide. Many famous cities throughout history had citadels, from ancient times to the medieval period, across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Thick walls everywhere. Citadels were built with extremely strong walls, towers, and barriers to protect the people inside from invading armies.