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ROCROI
is a unique star-shaped
fortified town.
The stronghold was first constructed during the reign of the French king,
Henri II, to counter any threat from the Charlemont fortress built by Charles V
of Spain. In
1675 the town was remodelled by Vauban.
It features an inner fortified defence wall with five different bastions projecting from the wall.
There is also an outer wall for both protection and attack.
On this outer wall are demilunes, projections at angles to the wall.
The Porte de Bourgogne was to the northeast of the wall while the Porte
de France lay to the southwest.
The
main square is the former parade ground and from here, ten radiocentric streets lead straight from the centre to the
ramparts. The
oldest of the houses bordering the square were built in 1676
while the most recent were rebuilt after the 1871
bombing.
The
Hôtel de Ville,
or town hall, dates back to 1843 and
was built on the site of the Governor’s private mansion.
The
church
has a 53 metre spire and was built during the same period.
Its huge nave is imposing and a canopy with wonderful marble columns
rises above its altar.
Under the porch at the entrance to the church is a font dating back to 1615
made from blue Givet stone.
On
the Place Verte, between the second and third bollards, there is still a stone
with a hole in it marking the base of the former stocks.
The
Place du Luxembourg,
the final garrison lookout post, is a fine example of seventeenth century
military architecture. A little further on to the left is a vast military
arsenal which was constructed in 1692.