The Citadelle Laferrière

Citadelle_Laferrière
the Citadelle Laferrière
Photo by: Rémi Kaupp, Creative Commons

The Caribbean is home to many spectacular tourist spots that are worth visiting, especially for tourists that are into island hopping. Haiti, which is geographically the half-brother of the Dominican Republic, boasts a particular spot that just might be one of the most sought-after destination areas in the future – the Citadelle Laferrière.

The Citadelle Laferrière, also known simply as Citadelle, is a spot situated at the top of a mountain in the north of Haiti. It is recognized as the largest fortress in the continent of the Americas and is also a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. This tourist spot has become the face of Haiti. Both history and geography have something to say with the site’s massive tourism success.

The mountaintop fortress came to existence when the people who lived there in the 1800s build it as a part of their fortification system which prevented the French people to further infiltrate the lands of Haiti. The fortress, moreover, served as a lookout for those colonizers that would like to change much of Haiti’s culture and traditions, not to mention the possibility of the Haiti citizens to be under the rule of a sinister king or emperor.

Most of the offensive and defensive materials and weapons that were used during the colonization era are still present in the area. Although the citadel itself can be explored by visitors, a small fee may be asked for the area’s maintenance and further development.

Moreover, walking is not a good option since the citadel is an uphill spot. Renting a horse is advised so that people can take quality pictures and record movies without being tired of going up and down in between spots and places.

There is no doubt Haiti became a hot spot for colonizers before. The beauty of the island and its attractions are absolutely sights to behold.

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