National Historic Park - Citadel of Sanssouci

The Citadel National Historic Park, Sanssouci, is one of the largest fortresses (if not the largest!) in the Western Hemisphere. It was built when Haiti became a free republic. However, the National Historic Park - Citadel, Sanssouci, Ramiers - is not just a fortress, but a real architectural ensemble located in one of the most picturesque areas of Haiti - Port-au-Prince. Nature and architecture complement each other organically – this is a real example of harmony and balance.

Among the main buildings of the National Historic Park are the Palace of Sanssouci and the Citadel of Laferriè re. Each of these buildings has its own unique history. Sanssouci Palace was the royal residence of King Henry I (better known as Henri Christophe), who was the main leader of the Haitian slave revolt. The palace was built in 1810-1813.

The citadel of Laferriè re is a large fortress. It was built after Haiti gained independence from France under Henri Christophe in the early 19th century. The massive stone structure was built between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications. Her plan was designed specifically to keep the independent state of Haiti safe from a possible French invasion.