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Origin and history

The Condette bastion, also called the Royal bastion, was built in the first half of the 16th century in Ardres, under the impulse of Francis I. Between 1522 and 1541, this king strengthened the stronghold of Ardres by six bastions, including this one, designed by the Italian architect Dominique de Cortone, known as Boccador. This work marked an evolution towards bastioned fortifications, gradually replacing medieval artillery towers.

This bastion is distinguished by its structure by covering 70 metres of front and 30 metres of flank, integrating three arched brick galleries. They served stairs leading to low defences, while a countermine gallery allowed multi-directional fire via divergent slots. A casemate for heavy artillery, covered with a brick vault, was also present, illustrating the adaptation to the firearms of the time.

After 1849, most of the fortifications of Ardres were razed, but the Condette bastion was preserved thanks to its integration into a public garden. Today, it testifies to Renaissance military engineering, combining medieval heritage and technical innovations. Its classification as Historic Monument in 2003 underscores its heritage importance.

Architectural details, such as ventilation vents to evacuate smoke from fire or "French-style" burns, reflect a pragmatic design. The bastion thus symbolizes a pivotal period when fortifications adapted to the progress of artillery, under the influence of Italian architects like Boccador.

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