Just few hundreds years ago, fortifications were the inevitable part of every important city in Europe. They weren’t only a symbol of power, they were built with a purpose to protect the highest officials and most important persons in case of war. Fortresses were build in very well chosen locations. Usually, architects and engineers who were building them choose the most inapproachable place which could be easily cut from the rest of the world if city was attacked. Those buildings were designed and prepared to endure and persist longest and most difficult sieges which could be imagined in that time.
An island sounds like a perfect location for building a fortification and if this island is a heavy rocky formation by a chance, then you do not have to think twice while deciding about the placement of the fortress. One of such locations is Mont Saint-Michel island which can be found in Normandy, France. It is pretty close to the land, only a half of a mile away.
The magnificent view of the fortification at the sunset time
Mont Saint-Michel has been recognized as a perfect place for fortifications hundreds years ago when it was used by Romans in 6th and 7th century. Since then, it has became a favorite place of different lords, kings and monarchs who used this place as their recourse during the wars.
Aeriel view of the place. Surrounded by water, Mont Saint-Michel is the best place for defense
The first building on the Mont Saint-Michel was an oratory built on the top of this rocky island by bishop Aubert in 1017. Later, this building was improved and expanded several times by different rulers. After the French Revolution this fortress was converted into a prison but later it was restored as a part of national architectural treasure and protected by UNESCO and listed as one of the World Heritage Sites.
View from the far at sunny day. Credits:Â Abcplanet
Today, it is one of the most beautiful fortifications and a place where plenty of tourists travel to see this glorious site.
Credits: Wikipedia
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