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Origin and history

The dread of Saint-Apollinaire is a military fortification designed as part of the Séré de Rivières defensive system, built at the end of the 19th century to protect Dijon Square. It was built between 1878 and 1880, after the War of 1870-1871, to strengthen the borders of eastern France. Its role was to defend the intermediate space between the Langres and Gray roads, close to Dijon.

Integrated with a network of fortifications, this dread lies 2 500 metres northeast of the city centre of Dijon, at the border of the communes of Saint-Apollinaire and Dijon. It was positioned behind fort Varois, at an average altitude of 286 metres. Today, its ditches are filled, but its masonries remain in excellent condition. The site, owned by the commune of Saint-Apollinaire, has been transformed into a public park and a place to walk.

Architecturally, the dread is distinguished by a "weak" entrance to prevent it from being used as an embezzlement to the enemy in the event of an attack. It consists of six casemates: four chambers for a garrison of 125 to 150 men, a kitchen with a well of 25 meters deep, and a reserve for artillery equipment. Two ammunition rooms were located at the ends of the façade. At the back, a manoeuvring corridor led to a thirty-ton powder chamber. The low battery, served by the street of the rampart, was equipped with nine shelter ties and caponières.

The artillery positions, designed for 18 bearded parts, were supplemented by two pseudo-bastioned positions protecting the courtine. The top of the central massif preserves the foundations of an old optical communication house. Four aircraft defence tanks (DCA) were added later in the 20th century. The dread was listed as historical monuments by order of 17 March 2006.

Today, this historic site, although disused of its military use, remains a testimony of the Séré de Rivières defensive system. It illustrates the fortification strategies put in place after the French defeat of 1870 to secure the eastern borders. Its state of conservation and its conversion into a public space make it a place of both heritage and living, open to residents and visitors.

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