Citadelle Laferrière: Haiti's Majestic Fortress and Eighth Wonder of the World
Haitians proudly call the Citadelle Laferrière the eighth wonder of the world. After hiking to the 900m summit of Pic Laferrière or riding horseback for US$15, you'll understand why. This massive, battleship-like fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views in every direction. Completed in 1820, it was built by 20,000 workers and stocked with supplies to sustain the royal family and a 5,000-strong garrison for an entire year. Its 4m-thick walls, rising up to 40m high, made it virtually impenetrable—though its cannons were never fired in battle.
Within the ramparts, clever defenses like drawbridges and blind corners deterred attackers, leading to galleries housing the first of several cannon batteries. The Citadelle boasts over 160 cannons, most captured from the English, Spanish, and French forces. Scattered throughout are enormous piles of cannonballs—originally numbering 50,000, though many have been taken over time.
At the fortress's core lies the central courtyard with officers' quarters. King Henry Christophe, who took his own life, is buried here beneath a massive boulder integrated into the mountain. One level above is the whitewashed tomb of his brother-in-law, Prince Noel.
Plan for a couple of hours to fully explore this site, uncovering hidden passages, halls, and stunning rampart vistas. Sheer cliffs guard the Citadelle on all sides except the rear, where views extend south to Site des Ramiers—a cluster of four smaller forts protecting its vulnerable flank. Adventurous visitors can hike to the Ramiers sites, which are crumbling and gradually being reclaimed by the lush, humid forest, but expect some scrambling.
