Journées européennes du patrimoine
Les 16 & 17 septembre 2023, les douze fortifications de Vauban inscrites sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO vous proposent de nombreux événements. Découvrez-les vite !
Fortifications of Vauban
Longwy
A new town on the plain
When Longwy-Haut became French under the 1679 Nimeque Treaty, Louis XIV decided to destroy the old medieval town and replace it with a «new town» to form a major defensive link on the north-eastern border.
Vauban skilfully adapted the layout of this stronghold to the steep terrain, on the edge of a cliff and dominating the Chiers valley and low town.
The fortress forms a hexagon with six bastions and is well-equipped with all the facilities required by a place of war; a church, arsenal, well and barracks, laid out perpendicularly. Over and above these military features, Longwy also reflects Vauban’s conception of the ideal town.
A monumental gate and four bastions are still well-preserved. Two of them house cross-shaped magazines, an exception in the engineer’s work, and the two others have modified powder stores. In the town centre, the square parade ground with its large public well was surrounded by public buildings of which the Town hall and Saint-Dagobert church still remain today.
After each siege and attack in 1792, 1815, 1871 and 1914, Longwy managed to rise from the ashes and today the town pursues an active enhancement policy for its Vauban heritage.
Inscribed Property
the new town of Longwy
Outstanding Universal Value
one of Vauban's nine new towns, whose interior buildings and town planning have been preserved and which is preserved in its environment
Date of construction
between 1679 and 1681
Altitude
between 820 and 1299 ft
Department
Meurthe-et-Moselle
Region
Grand Est
GPS coordinates
49.524086, 5.7626
Demi-lune du Précipice, Longwy
The place Darche of Longwy
The Porte de France of Longwy
The remparts of Longwy
A shared celebration to celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Fortifications of Vauban" as a World Heritage Site
On July 7th 2023, 15 years to the day after the Fortifications of Vauban were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the twelve major Vauban sites proudly celebrated this anniversary in ceremonies...
15th anniversary of the inscription of the Vauban Fortifications on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The year 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the inscription of Vauban's Fortifications on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is an opportunity to celebrate World Heritage and Vauban's work of genius...
Tourist information
Town of Longwy
Hôtel de ville
4, avenue Grande Duchesse Charlotte
54 400 Longwy
Phone number: +33 3 82 44 54 00
www.mairie-longwy.fr
Longwy Tourist Office
Place Darche
54 400 Longwy
Phone number: +33 3 82 24 94 54
contact@longwy-tourisme.com
www.longwy-tourisme.com
How to visit / Access
The fortifications of Longwy are freely accessible.
Guided tours.