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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Arsenal of Basse-Terre came into being in 1654, when the Jesuits acquired land to build a convent, destroyed in 1703 during an English attack. Reconstructed at the beginning of the eighteenth century, the site was confiscated in 1764 after the expulsion of the Jesuits from Guadeloupe and later attributed to artillery by Governor Nolivos. The existing buildings are being renovated to house officers, soldiers and workshops, while new buildings (stores, wooden barracks) are being built on two separate terraces.

In the 19th century, the Arsenal underwent several major transformations: reconstructions after the cyclones of 1821 and 1825, expansion of the shops, and construction between 1832 and 1836 of a U-archal around a central courtyard. The main façade, 40 meters long, is pierced by 19 bays and bordered by arcades. The site also includes outbuildings such as a canteen, a washhouse, and kitchens. Disused in 1907, it was auctioned in 1912 and converted into private homes, retaining its original architecture.

Ranked a historic monument in 2007, the Arsenal bears witness to its military past through its stone buildings and wooden galleries (partly replaced by concrete). The apartment of the director, inspired by the former residence of the Jesuits, overlooks a terraced garden accessible by a horse-drawn staircase. The vestiges of the settling canals and basins recall the historical hydraulic system, while the plate "1837/MARINE ARTILLERY" sealed above the main gate attests to its military vocation.

The architectural ensemble reflects the successive adaptations of the site: from the 18th century Jesuit convent to the artillery barracks, then to its residential conversion. Partial destruction (1975 fire, collapse of the retaining wall) did not alter its original plan, preserved during renovations. Close to Fort Delgrès and the church of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, the Arsenal is located in a historic area marked by colonial conflicts and climatic hazards.

The current buildings, although transformed into housing units, retain characteristic elements such as arches in the middle of the wall, rumped roofs, and exterior galleries. The barracks of the gunners, with its basement floor once housing a watch shop, illustrates the military hierarchical organization. The original kitchens, stables and latrines have disappeared, while the terraces and retaining walls remain, delineating the old functional areas (artillery direction, soldiers' quarters).

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