Picture of Citadelle la Ferrière looming over the footpath leading up to it (Citadelle La Ferrière, Haiti)

Citadelle la Ferrière dominating the skyline

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A major building on top of a mountain, Citadelle la Ferrière is a prime example of an enormous effort with huge costs for, ultimately, no real reason. It is also one of the major historic sights in the Caribbean.
The structure is very impressive, it dominates the entire top of the mountain; with massive walls that are up to 4 metres thick and 40 metres high, it was impenetrable and invincible. However, it was never put to the test, since the French never came back to reconquer Haiti (instead, Haiti had to pay an astronomical sum of money for indemnity). Still, the masterpiece of Citadelle la Ferrière, the largest fortress of the western hemisphere, had taken 15 years to complete, by 20.000 workers - many of whom died in the effort. It was designed to hold food stocks for 5000 people for one year, and included special rooms for the king, as well as dungeons, bakeries and bathing facilities. We were overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and feeling of history of this monstrous fortress, as well as feeling sorry for the poor Haitians who lost their lives in its construction. But what a unique beauty it is! No wonder that Haitians call it the 8th wonder of the world.
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