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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 bombardment. 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). The tour was completely redesigned in 2021. Three spaces take you back a century, both inside and outside the citadel walls.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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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
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
boring and disappointing!
We are sorry that you didn't appreciate the visit of the Underground Citadel.
We still hope that you enjoyed your stay in Verdun.
Best regards,
Clémence
Nous sommes désolés que la visite du nouveau parcours de la Citadelle Souterraine n'ait pas su répondre à vos attentes.
Nous espérons que vous garderez un bon souvenir de votre séjour à Verdun
Cordialement,
Clémence
Casque virtuel pas au point, est douloureux à porter et la qualité d'image pas top. J'y avait été il y a 10 ans c'était beaucoup mieux. Je n'y reviendrai plus
Nous sommes désolés que la visite du nouveau parcours de la Citadelle Souterraine n'ait pas su répondre à vos attentes. En effet, les prises de vues sont interdites car impossibles dans les galeries. Les images sont diffusées à l'intérieur du casque, en réalité augmentée, il est donc impossible de prendre des photos.
Nous espérons que vous garderez un bon souvenir de votre séjour à Verdun Cordialement, Clémence
Outre les informations qu'on obtient, le cadre et la méthode immersive pour visiter les lieux sont vraiment originales et efficaces.
Une fois la visite de la partie souterraine terminée prenez le temps de visiter l'extérieur qui vaut également le détour (si la météo le permet).