CASTLE OF SEDAN

Before entering the castle of Sedan, you should first take a walk around it. Then you will know exactly how incredibly large 35,000 square meters is. The massive buildings, gigantic walls, and thick towers command respect. Moreover, the castle looks so pristine from the city side that you would expect a procession of knights at any moment. But that only happens during the Medieval Festival.
As a visitor, you can explore the complex with a booklet or an audio guide. These will take you on a tour of the fortifications and on a journey through time from the earliest beginnings to the 17th century. You will get a glimpse into the daily life of the princes, maidens, soldiers, and servants who once lived here.
The castle of Sedan is one of the largest fortifications in Europe. Initially, there was only a Benedictine church on this site. In the 15th century, Everhard van der Marck had a fortified and completely walled manor built here. His grandson Robert ensured that it was able to withstand artillery attacks, a novelty at that time. Walls were made higher and thicker, terraces for cannons were constructed, and a 'ring road' was created for the defense to move quickly.

When you stand in the inner courtyard and look around, the military history of the fort is particularly visible. Everything is austere and neat. There are no fashionable embellishments, but façades that look stern with their thick walls and small windows. When the French state took over the castle from the last lords and princes of Sedan, it primarily took on the function of a bastion and barracks.
The castle is open every day, except on January 1 and December 25.
Guided tours and audio guides are available at the ticket office.

Ellen Buitelaar