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Aug19

National History Park, Haiti

Published by in Cultural, Haiti, History, Monuments, North America, Parks, Sightseeings, UNESCO, Walking

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This National History Complex including The Citadel Laferrire, The Palace of Sans-Souci and the buildings of Ramiers is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere. These Haitian monuments date from the beginning of the 19th century, when Haiti proclaimed its independence and became a free republic. The monuments serve as universal symbols of liberty, being the first monuments to be constructed by black slaves who had gained their freedom.

The construction of The Palace of Sans-Souci was ordered by a Megalomaniac King of Haiti Henry I (better known as Henri Christophe) and was his royal residence. Construction of the palace started in 1810 and was completed in 1813 and based in Frederic II of Prussia famous Sans Souci Palace, near Postdam, Germany. Sans Souci Palace also includes a printing shop, garment factories, a hospital, schools, a distillery chapel and military barracks.

The Citadelle Laferrierre is a massive stone mountaintop fortress, built by up to 20,000 enslaved workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications designed to keep the newly-independent nation of Haiti safe from French incursions.

Sans Souci was ruined by the earthquake that destroyed Cap Haitien in 1842. Today it is in ruins but it is still worth seeing and the shell of the building remains intact giving an idea of its grandeur. Haitians call this site the 8th World Wonder, but it’s a wonder anyone gets to visit the fortress at all. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


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  • http://www.voxcall.com making international calls

    That was a big palace, just sad because it's not well made anyway the photos are good they're well captured taking snap shots of places you visit is part of the passion
    travel blog was created to help first-time travelers as they embark on something different.

  • http://www.alamocarhireuk.com/sato_travel.htm Sato Travel

    nice post in my point of its a great blog where people found history related information and i personally appreciate you for sharing most informative post thanks

  • http://caribtourism.net jessi

    Haiti is an unusual Caribbean country, offering a taste of Africa combined with French culture. The first Black Republic in the world, Haiti became independent in 1804. There is a rich natural culture where Voodoo and Catholicism mingle. Haitian art is world-famous, as are its gingerbread houses, found throughout the country. Port-au-Prince, the capital city, lies within a one hour drive of most major beaches. Cap-Haitian in the north was called -The Pearl of the Antilles - in the 17th century. The sleepy town of Jacmel in the south is a rare treat.

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    I have been to La Citadelle on two occasions. Once in 1997 and again in 2007. Both trips were amazing and a reminder of the beauty of Haiti. It is a long walk from the town of Milot at the base of the hill up to the top of the mountain.

  • http://visaprepaidcards.org/prepaid-cards/ prepaid debit cards

    I have been to La Citadelle on two occasions. Once in 1997 and again in 2007. Both trips were amazing and a reminder of the beauty of Haiti. It is a long walk from the town of Milot at the base of the hill up to the top of the mountain.



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