All set to visit The Citadelle Laferrière? Wait a minute and hold down your breath. You are about to witness a strikingly beautiful attraction of Haiti and surely one of the most stunning wonders in the world. Built to appear like a ship it was built with a purpose to protect Haiti from French invasion. Bearing the status of World Heritage, it is the largest fort in the American continent and greatest national heraldic sign symbolizing the integrity of Haiti.

Citadelle is a fortress built on a mountaintop which is 17 miles away from the city of Cap-Haitien and 5 miles away uphill the town Milot. It was built by Henri Christophe, post- independence from France in the beginning of 19th century. It took 20,000 workers and 15 years to build this massive structure. You can have a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful city, Cap-Haitien.

The fort was furnished with 365 cannons of varying size. There are various stash of cannonballs stacked in a pyramidal shape at the base walls of the fortress. The ramparts along the fortress that are four feet thick, encompasses 8000 square meters of area. The fort is built based on the techniques adopted from the French military architecture. It has a central ground for parade, a building for magazine treasury, governor’s palace, hospital and a storehouse for weapons. The sewage system for the storm water and the deposited cannon balls offer this piece of architecture an incomparable beauty.

It is the most important historic monument of Haiti. There are various guides available ready to offer the information. While heading towards fortress uphill, one can rent a horse to trail the seven miles trek from Milot. And to enjoy the beauty of this majestic fortress people even trail the path by walking.

The visit to this world heritage is a must-have in your itinerary when planning a vacation for Haiti.