THE FORT SAINT ELME IS CLOSED FOR THE WHOLE SEASON 2023 AND BEGINNING 2024 BECAUSE OF WORKS.
- Has an impressive collection
- Features an impressive collection of Renaissance weapons
- Offers various tours and activities.
A true heritage treasure , Fort Saint Elme is a monument steeped in an epic history. Symbol of the influence of Northern Catalonia, it is one of the most emblematic sites in the region.
From the top of its terraces, Fort Saint Elme offers an exceptional 360° panorama , which embraces the Mediterranean from the Spanish border to Sète (about 150km)! Photographers and lovers of the great outdoors will spend between sky, land and sea a unique moment far from the tumults of everyday life.
In the Musée-Arsenal, visitors and history buffs alike will discover an impressive collection of Renaissance armour, helmets, halberds, cannons, but also of Ottoman weapons used by the Turkish sailors who ravaged the Spanish and Catalan coasts.
Pedestrian access (about 40 minutes)
Reach the Museum of Modern Art, take the stairs, cross the Parc Pams to "La Gloriette" (square building), former smoking room of Senator Pams, then reach the Moulin. Behind it take the path and continue to Fort Saint-Elme. A visit is essential... From there, possibility to reach the Hermitage of Consolation or Port Vendres.
You can reach the Fort with the Little Tourist Train (departure from the town hall square) or by car via Port-Vendres.
A bit of history... Who holds Fort Saint Elme holds the whole province...
In the 14th century, in place of the current fort, there was a watchtower called "la Torre de la Guardia". In the following century, it saw its name change in honor of Saint Elmo, patron saint of navigators, testimony to the maritime importance of Collioure.
From the 16th century the three greatest military architects in history worked on Fort Saint Elme.Ramiro Lopez, the Catalan who after having built the fortress of Salses devoted himself to Collioure and the first defenses of the Fort. In the 16th century, Benedetto of Ravenna, the Italian, imagined a 5-pointed star construction. Then in the XVIIth Vauban which will improve the defensive system as a whole.
With walls over 25 meters high and over 10 meters thick, wide battlements, deadlocks, machicolations and other loopholes, the building will heroically resist the fury of French artillery during the Revolution.
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