Vallihaudat

Vallihaudat are defensive ditches surrounding a fortress or fortified perimeter, typically located outside the ramparts. The term refers to both water-filled moats and, in some cases, dry ditches designed to impede attackers. Their primary purpose is to slow and hinder assaults, prevent scaling of walls, and complicate mining or tunneling, while protecting the foundations of the enclosing fortification.

Design and variations commonly include a wider, deeper ditch that may be filled with water or left dry. Crossings are provided by bridges or drawbridges, and the surrounding inner rampart or berm helps defenders control approaches. The configuration and size of vallihaudat depend on the era, local topography, and available water sources, with water moats offering an additional obstacle by making direct approaches more hazardous.

Historically, moats became a widespread feature of medieval and early modern fortifications across Europe, including castle and town walls. They were often integrated with other defensive works such as ramparts, glacis, bastions, and gatehouses, forming a layered defense that challenged attackers both logistically and tactically.

In contemporary times, vallihaudat are mainly preserved as historical monuments and archaeological sites. They attract interest from researchers and visitors, offering insights into past siege warfare, hydraulic management, and urban or castle planning. Preservation efforts focus on stabilizing physical structures, documenting historical layouts, and sometimes reconstructing features for educational display.