Fort Saint-Elme

The origins of Fort Saint-Elme date back to the 8th century, when a watchtower was erected on this site, likely during the Arab-Berber occupation. In the 13th century, the Kings of Majorca rebuilt the signal tower. King Peter IV of Aragon strengthened the defenses after conquering the coast in 1344. In the 15th century, under French rule, the complex was further fortified and named Saint-Elme. In the 16th century, the fort was expanded into a modern, star-shaped fortress under Charles V from 1538 to 1552. Despite this modernization, the fort fell to French troops under King Louis XIII in 1642. Vauban, Louis XIV's military architect, further strengthened the complex in 1659. During the French Revolution, the fort was the scene of battles and changed hands several times before being recaptured by General Dugommier in 1794 after a 22-day siege.