contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

Haiti’s Citadelle Laferrière: Eighth Wonder of the World?Haïti
Haiti’s Citadelle Laferrière: Eighth Wonder of the World?
Haïti
  • December 24, 2024
  • | 0

Haiti’s Citadelle Laferrière: Eighth Wonder of the World?

Among the world’s architectural and historical treasures, the Citadelle Laferrière, perched high in the north of Haiti, occupies a unique place. Dubbed by some the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this colossal fortress is much more than a feat of engineering: it is a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and national pride. Discover why this impressive site continues to captivate visitors from around the world and deserves this honorary distinction.

HaïtiHaïti

A Monument Born of the Struggle for Freedom

After Haïti gained independence in 1804, acquired through fierce struggles against the French colonial army, King Henri Christophe ordered the construction of the Citadelle Laferrière to protect the young nation from possible attempts at reconquest. Built between 1805 and 1820, this imposing fortress dominates the surrounding plains at an altitude of nearly 900 meters, offering a strategic view of the entire north of Haïti and, on a clear day, all the way to the Cuban coast.

With massive walls sometimes reaching 40 meters high, the Citadel was designed to withstand the most violent bombardments. Its capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 soldiers, combined with its reserves of food, water and ammunition, made it an impregnable refuge.

HaïtiHaïti

Impressive dimensions

Ranked among the largest fortresses in the world, the Citadelle Laferrière covers an area of ​​10,000 square meters. Here are some key figures that illustrate its scale:
- 365 cannons of various sizes, from different Napoleonic battles, are stored there. - Tons of cannonballs, perfectly stacked, bear witness to the meticulous preparation for defense.
- More than 20,000 workers participated in its construction, using local materials transported by man and mule.

Its robust and imposing design makes it a masterpiece of military architecture.

HaïtiHaïti

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1982, the Citadelle Laferrière was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its historical and cultural importance. It is part of the National Historical Park, alongside the Sans Souci Palace and other remains from the era of Henri Christophe.

This classification highlights not only its role as a symbol of freedom for Haiti, but also its impact on universal history as a testimony to the first free black nation in the world.

HaïtiHaïti

Why the "Eighth Wonder of the World"?

The nickname "Eighth Wonder of the World" given to the Citadelle Laferrière is not official, but it reflects the admiration it inspires in those who visit it. This title evokes:
- Its architectural ingenuity: Few fortresses in the world combine such size, strategic design and resistance to the natural elements.
- Its historical role: It embodies the spirit of struggle and independence of a people who defied the colonial powers of the time.
- Its majestic beauty: Nestled atop a mountain, the Citadel offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and the Atlantic Ocean.

HaïtiHaïti

A world-renowned tourist attraction

Every year, thousands of local and international tourists visit the Citadelle Laferrière. It is often the highlight of their trip to Haiti.

Access to the Citadel is by hiking or horseback riding, adding an adventurous dimension to the experience. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle and a deep insight into Haiti’s heroic history.

Some key facts about the Citadel

- Strategic position: It overlooks the northern plains, offering a clear view of possible enemy approaches.
- Symbolic construction: The fortress was built to represent freedom, even though it has never been attacked.
- An intact masterpiece: After more than two centuries, it remains in excellent condition and continues to fascinate with its solidity.

A symbol of resilience for future generations

The Citadelle Laferrière is not only a historical monument, but also a source of inspiration for Haitians and the world. It is a reminder of the price of freedom and the importance of preserving one’s heritage.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Citadel yet, it deserves to be at the top of your list of destinations. Come discover this wonder, share your experience and, why not, contribute to making Haïti shine on the world stage.

And you, what do you think of this "Eighth Wonder of the World"? Do you have any anecdotes or memories to share? Do so in the comments!

Share
About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

See other articles from Appolon Guy Alain
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haitian culture is a true treasure, woven from the creativity of its artists, its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultural expressions. Among these cultural gems, the rara stands as a true national emblem, uniting Haitians through its captivating rhythms and centuries-old traditions. During the first Rara weekend, this very essence of Haitian culture shone brightly, revealing palpable social cohesion. Despite the absence of law enforcement, tranquility reigned in Petit-Goâve, testifying to the ability of citizens to come together in peace and conviviality. However, media attention was mainly focused on the first plain, leaving a certain imbalance in the coverage of the festivities. Ratyèfè, three-time reigning champion, once again captivated minds with his talent and artistic mastery, offering an unparalleled spectacle. But his rival, Lambi gran dlo, was not to be outdone, displaying a determination to compete for first place. The event was also marked by unfortunate incidents, reminding us that despite the beauty of tradition, tensions can arise. Clashes between fans of different groups tarnished the festive atmosphere, highlighting the need for careful management of celebrations to avoid such excesses. At the heart of this musical competition, where each group aspires to recognition and victory, a complex picture of rivalries and alliances emerges. Chenn tamarin, although appearing asleep in the first moments, shows signs of waking up, ready to shake up the established order. On Sunday evening, Lambi gran dlo honored the memory of one of its loyal supporters, while Grap Kenèp was the scene of violence between fans, recalling the fragility of social cohesion when passion runs wild. In this whirlwind of emotion and competition, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is the journalist who must look to the events, and not the other way around. This is how we draw up the first ranking for this first weekend: 1. Ratyèfè 2. Lambi grand dlo 3. Chenn tamarind Beyond the results, it is the preservation of unity and mutual respect that must remain at the heart of these celebrations, making the rara not only a musical festival, but above all a symbol of the wealth and resilience of the people Haitian.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.

Appolon Guy Alain: Reference Web Designer in Haiti

In the ever-changing world of web development, some names stand out for their expertise, creativity and commitment to knowledge sharing. Among them, Appolon Guy Alain shines like a beacon in the web design industry in Haiti. With more than 70 websites to his credit, intranet systems and many other projects, he is recognized as an indisputable reference in his field. What sets Apolon’s work apart are the attractive interfaces it creates. Sites such as https://haitiwonderland.com/, https://leadersdedemain.org/, https://shippex.net/, https://telehaiti.ht/, https://www.kelphotographystudio.com/, https ://leparadishaitien.ht/, https://beltike.com/ and many others, demonstrate his exceptional talent for combining aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious way. The key to Apolon’s success lies in its ability to merge art and technology. Before becoming an accomplished computer scientist, he was already a painter, a professional musician and a computer graphic designer. This diversity of talents gives him extraordinary creativity, allowing him to imagine unique and memorable interfaces. But Apolon not only creates remarkable websites, he also generously shares his knowledge and experience. In December 2022, he launched Coding Club Haiti, an initiative aimed at providing younger generations with the opportunities offered by the digital world. This initiative has gone beyond the borders of Haïti thanks to a collaboration with the Scientific Club of Students of the Virtual University of Burkina Faso, thus allowing Appolon to share its knowledge with young people from Burkina Faso, and soon, other countries from Africa. Read also: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/personnalite/expert-en-seo-et-uiux-design--decouvrez-le-developpeur-haitien-appolon-guy-alain/65 For Appolon, digital represents an essential pillar for the economic development of his country, Appolon is fully committed to this change. However, Apollo does not rest on his laurels. Always eager to learn, he is currently venturing into fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, looking forward to the challenges the future holds. If you are looking for someone to create your website, Apolon is undoubtedly the best choice. Do not hesitate to contact him on his Facebook or Instagram page, or visit his personal website at https://www.appographic.com. With Appolon Guy Alain, your web project is in expert and creative hands, ready to bring your most daring ideas to life. Follow Appolon on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/appolon.guyalain Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/appolon-guy-alain-298424113 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/appolonguyalain65 Twitter : https://twitter.com/GuyAppolon Github : https://github.com/Appogithub

Recently Posted

History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.