Wesel Citadel

The main architectural features of the citadel can be derived from the principles of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the most prominent constructor of fortifications at the time.

In 1687 Frederick William I of Brandenburg ordered the construction of a citadel to turn Wesel into a fortified city.

Probably before the mid-18th century, the citadel was expanded and strengthened on its south and east sides.

The main gate is impressive in design; in the southern wing, there is a prison cell, in which amongst others eleven of Ferdinand von Schill's officers were detained.

Due to their dismantling after World War I in 1919–1920, the old fortifications are no longer present today.

The main gate of the Wesel Citadel, seen from the central Waffenplatz
An old French mortar that was set up here after 1871