Saint-Elme Fort (Collioure, Frankreich)
This strategically placed fort was first used as a signal tower in the 8th century. In the 14th century, the Kings of Mallorca, who had their summer residence at Collioure castle, added a lookout tower named the Guardia until the 15th century, when it took its actual name of Sainte Elme. In 1552, the emperor Charles Quint added a fortification around the initial tower. The Roussillon region became French in 1660, and Vauban, in 1680, designed the forts defense structure, under Louis XIV, king of France. During the French revolution, the fort was used successively by the Spanish, and French troops, and was essential for military use until 1903. In 1913, the fort was auctioned, and became private and closed to the public. The underground gallery that goes right around the outside of the fort will be open for visits, as well as a few artillery store rooms. The fort, situated above the town of Collioure and Port-Vendres, overlooks a large part of the Franco-Spanish coast line. Its star shape structure is a typical example of Vaubans architecture.
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