Verdun Attractions
The old and much fought-over fortified town of Verdun lies at what is strategically the most important crossing of the Meuse, on the road between the Rhine and Paris. Surrounded by fortified hills, Verdun was one of France's strongest fortresses in the First World War.
The Roman town on this site was called Virodunum, and became the see of a bishop in the third C. When, under the treaty of Verdun in 843, Charlemagne's Frankish empire was split up into the three territories of France, Germany and Lorraine Verdun was at first included in Lorraine, but in 870 passed to the East Frankish kingdom, and then, under the name of Virten, became a free imperial city in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1552 Henry II of France occupied the town, and in 1648 it was permanently incorporated in France. Thereafter its defenses were built up, particularly by Vauban (1633- 1707).
During the First World War Verdun was the pivot of the French front line, and between February 21 and July 12 1916 withstood all German attempts to take it. The number of dead on both sides is estimated at between 500,000 and 800,000, and the name of Verdun has become a synonym for senseless slaughter. After the war the town was completely rebuilt.
The Roman town on this site was called Virodunum, and became the see of a bishop in the third C. When, under the treaty of Verdun in 843, Charlemagne's Frankish empire was split up into the three territories of France, Germany and Lorraine Verdun was at first included in Lorraine, but in 870 passed to the East Frankish kingdom, and then, under the name of Virten, became a free imperial city in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1552 Henry II of France occupied the town, and in 1648 it was permanently incorporated in France. Thereafter its defenses were built up, particularly by Vauban (1633- 1707).
During the First World War Verdun was the pivot of the French front line, and between February 21 and July 12 1916 withstood all German attempts to take it. The number of dead on both sides is estimated at between 500,000 and 800,000, and the name of Verdun has become a synonym for senseless slaughter. After the war the town was completely rebuilt.
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Citadel
In Verdun, west of the cathedral is the citadel built by Vauban on the site of the abbey of St Vanne, of which only the Tour de St-Vanne (12th C.) is left. Under the citadel is a system of subterranean passages.
Hôtel de la Princerie
In Verdun, north of the cathedral is the Hôtel de la Princerie, a handsome Renaissance mansion (16th C.) which now houses the Municipal Museum (local history and folk art).
Victory Memorial
In Rue Mazel, in the center of Verdun, is the massive Victory Monument (Monument à la Victoire et aux Soldats de Verdun, 1929), in the crypt of which is a book containing the names of all those who took part in the fighting.
War Memorials
In the north of Verdun, in front of the Porte St- Paul, is a fine bronze by Rodin symbolizing the defense of Verdun.
On the Quai de la République is a war memorial, and on the opposite bank of the Meuse is the Porte Chaussée, with two round towers (14th C.).
Northwest of the Cathedral is the Porte Châtel (15th C.), which also formed part of the town's defenses.
On the other bank of the Meuse is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall, 1623), which contains a small war museum.
On the Quai de la République is a war memorial, and on the opposite bank of the Meuse is the Porte Chaussée, with two round towers (14th C.).
Northwest of the Cathedral is the Porte Châtel (15th C.), which also formed part of the town's defenses.
On the other bank of the Meuse is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall, 1623), which contains a small war museum.
