This fortress was built on the orders of Henri Christophe to defend the newly born Haiti from possible invasions by France, as the island was one of its most prized colonies. The construction of the enormous citadel lasted 15 years, between 1805 and 1820, and was built several kilometers inland, at 900 meters above sea level, with the intention of spotting enemy attacks in time and guarding the nearby valleys.

Its strategic location allowed it to have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the ocean and the nearby mountains. In addition, Citadelle Laferrière has numerous towers, ramps, ramparts and other features that make it very impressive from an architectural point of view.

The fortress is a fine example of 19th century military architecture, and its size and design are truly astonishing. It is located on top of a mountain and has an area of more than 10,000 square meters, and can accommodate up to 15,000 soldiers. The Citadelle also has walls more than 40 meters high and more than three meters thick in some areas, making it an almost impenetrable structure.

The truth is that five years after its construction was completed, in 1825, an agreement was signed by which France would recognize Haiti as an independent country and promised not to invade it. In exchange, it had to pay the sum of 150 million francs in compensation for the French colonists who had lost their plantations and crops during the slave rebellion.

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and is one of Haiti's most popular tourist destinations. It is also considered a symbol of the country, appearing on coins, banknotes, postage stamps and promotions of the Haitian Ministry of Tourism. With its colossal size, it is considered the largest fortress in the western hemisphere and the largest in the Americas.

Welcome to Haiti!