Citadels

A citadel is a fortress or fortified area within a city, typically occupying a commanding position such as a hill or elevated plateau. It is designed to protect urban centers and concentrate military power, governance, and sometimes religious or ceremonial functions. While the terms fortress or castle can describe large defensive works, a citadel is specifically a central strongpoint within a settlement, sometimes connected to or encompassed by city walls.

Features commonly associated with citadels include thick curtain walls, bastions or towers, gatehouses, drawbridges or portcullises, moats, and glacis. Internal uses often cover barracks, armories, granaries, cisterns, administrative offices, churches or mosques, and residences for commanders. Access is typically controlled through fortified gates. The citadel often dominates the surrounding urban area, enabling surveillance and control over approaches, trade, and defense.

Historically, citadels appear in ancient and medieval cities as a last line of defense and as seats of political power. They evolved into administrative centers and symbols of authority in many empires, reflecting shifts in warfare, governance, and urban planning. In modern times, many citadels have reduced military function and survive as museums, ceremonial residences, or protected heritage sites, while continuing to influence the identity and layout of their cities.

Notable historic citadels include the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria, the Saladin Citadel of Cairo in Egypt, the Bam Citadel in Iran, and the Citadel of Quebec in Canada. The term is also used more broadly to describe a stronghold of ideas, institutions, or cultural power.