THE UNDERGROUND CITADEL
Citadelle organized to accommodate 2,000 soldiers in galleries 4 km long at Verdun
The citadel, first built in the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt by Vauban, played a key role in the Battle of Verdun. Its kilometers of galleries, dug in 1886-1893, sheltered thousands of men from the bombardments. A logistical base, both feared and comforting, it was organized to accommodate 2,000 soldiers in galleries some 4 km long (7 km in 1918). This anthill had to share its living space with six gunpowder magazines, seven ammunition stores, a bakery, a mill, a telephone and telegraph exchange, water-lifting machines and kitchens. The nine bread ovens produced 28,000 loaves a day.
The tour was completely redesigned in 2021. Three spaces take you back a century, both inside and outside the citadel walls. Embark in a wire-guided gondola equipped with an augmented-reality helmet, and step into the shoes of soldier Jean Rivière, class of 1913. You enter the heart of the galleries through his story, alongside Louis, Camille and Émile, his comrades, who share their experiences as soldiers. It's a unique and memorable experience that plunges you into the life of the Great War, and an unmissable way to understand it.
Site temperature 8°C: warm clothing strongly recommended. Length of visit: approx. 1h30. Ages 8 and up. Entry conditions explained online. Reservations recommended in high season.
Further information
Opening time and information on THE UNDERGROUND CITADEL
Adult 15 €, family pass (4 pers.) 40 €. PMR access.
Owner's Message
Built in 1624, Vauban chose to reinforce it and link it to the defensive system he had just created around the city of Verdun. Under the orders of the military engineer Séré de Rivières, 19 forts were built around Verdun. In addition, from 1886 to 1893, 4 km of tunnels were dug under the citadel to accommodate men and equipment in case of conflict. In 1916, it became a logistical base of vital importance for the course of the battle. Nearly 10,000 men lived there and worked in all the services of an army in the field: telephone exchange, food and ammunition storehouse, kitchens, hospital, bakery with a production of 28,000 rations per day and even a theater.
the underground Citadel of Verdun: Discover a unique historical experience in augmented reality.
Live a new experience of visit in the underground galleries of the Citadel, in a wire-guided gondola. Equipped with augmented reality glasses, thanks to projections and special effects, dive into the memory of the Citadel and share moments lived by the soldiers.
"On September 13, 1916, the early morning dawns on the Citadel of Verdun. The grayish dawn is streaked with raindrops. A small group of exhausted poilus, coming from Fleury, is heading towards Verdun. Louis, Camille, Emile, and Jean have been ordered to come down from the front and go to the Citadel to take part in a ceremony they don't know about..."
Four men, four different destinies, four visions of the war to illuminate, through their eyes and their emotions, the history of a conflict that will haunt the collective memory for a long time..
Play the role of soldier Jean. Meet his comrades to share the intense life of the Citadelle Souterraine and relive the events that made this place a symbol, such as the Choice of the Unknown Soldier.
In Verdun, cross the barriers of time.
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Members' reviews on THE UNDERGROUND CITADEL
J'ai apprécié le côté high tech mais j'ai regretté la pauvreté de l'exposition.
Un bon conseil, commencez votre tournée des sites de Verdun par le Musée Mémorial, qui vous donnera beaucoup plus d'informations avant de venir à la Citadelle.
Magnifique
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23€ adulte et 12€ enfants.
Température 7°c dans la citadelle et humide