Sisteron Citadel

Above Sisteron to the north on a high rocky hill, through which the N85 road runs in a tunnel, stands the Citadel, built in the 12th and extended in the 16th and 19th century. It is a fortified barrier on several levels from which not only the narrows of the river but also the entire north and south hinterlands could be controlled. The greater part of the fortifications was the work of the architect Jean Erard (16th century). From the highest turrets and the "Guérite du Diable" outwork there is an unusually impressive view to the north over the Alpine region and eastwards across to the other side of the narrows where the Rocher de la Baume rises, a steep rock face on which the almost vertical faulting due to erosion can clearly be seen. On the north side of the citadel an open-air theater has been constructed.