Saint-Martial Bastion

The Saint-Martial bastion

The Carcassonne audio-guided tour points out, on the left, a section of wall belonging to the Saint-Martial bastion, built in the 16th century. A remnant of the lower town's former fortifications, it recalls the time when the bastide too was a stronghold.

A 16th-century structure

The town once had five; only three remain today, the others having been demolished with the ramparts in the 18th century to open up the town. Located at the corners of the fortifications, the bastions made it possible to defend each angle against attacks. They became necessary with the development of artillery in the 16th century: cannons were placed there, ready to fire on the attacker coming from outside.

What there is to see

Not so long ago, the bastion was still surrounded by houses, since demolished to clear the view. Now part of the enclosure of the Bastion school, it is reduced to this imposing stone wall, more than five centuries old. It bears witness to the evolution of military art, from medieval defence to fortification adapted to artillery.

Practical information

The Saint-Martial bastion can be seen from the street, in the Bastide Saint-Louis. Now part of a school, only its outer wall is visible; there is no interior visit. It is a quick stop, with no fee, during the walk through the lower town.

What were the bastions of Carcassonne for ?

Placed at the corners of the lower town's ramparts, they housed cannons to defend each corner of the town, from the 16th century.

How many bastions remain today ?

Of the five the town once had, three remain; the others were demolished with the ramparts in the 18th century.