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citadelle

citadel

noun see-tah-DEL Rare
Travel & Places Landmarks

Origin: Italian cittadella, diminutive of città 'city'

Also means

stronghold

Usage Note

Citadelle refers to a fortress built to dominate and protect a town, several of which were designed by Vauban in the 17th century — including the famous Citadelle de Besançon. Figuratively it means any stronghold or bastion of power. Vauban's citadels are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making the word culturally resonant in France.

Examples

"La citadelle domine la ville depuis le XVIIe siècle."

Natural Translation

The citadel has dominated the town since the 17th century.

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