Perched on top of high ground at Antibes, a star-shaped stone structure commands the view for miles around. It’s a defensive military installation called Fort Carré. Who was Fort Carré built to defend against? The answer might surprise you.
Built by order of the King of France in the 16th century, Fort Carré’s external walls, designed with defense in mind, form a star-shaped square. “Carré” means “square” in french, hence the name.
Given it’s coastal location, one would think Fort Carré was built to protect Antibes from invaders from far-away lands. Nope. In 16th-century Europe, that answer would be way too simple.
Tough Times in the South of France
Like so many regions in Europe, Southern France has seen its share of warfare. Ancient Romans conquered Celtic tribes and moved in. When Rome’s power declined, Visigoths descended from the northeast, moved in, and took control.
Visigoths were tough, but apparently the Franks were tougher. Or maybe it was just their time. As Visigoths faded into the dust of history, the Franks established what would become the first Kingdom of France.
Trouble in the South of France didn’t just descend from the northeast. Saracens from North Africa had taken over most of present-day Spain. Saracen raids in Southern France weren’t uncommon. Saracen torches set fire to more than one Provençal village.
Saracens, known for their seagoing prowess, attacked settlements along the Mediterranean coast. Antibes’ natural harbor must have been an irresistible lure for them. But Fort Carré wouldn’t be built for hundreds of years after the last Saracen attack.
Time to Build a Fortress
It wasn’t until the 16th century that the King of France ordered the construction of a fortress at Antibes. Who was he worried about? No one mentioned thus far. His greatest fear was France’s next-door neighbor to the east – Spain.
Hold on… Spain is to the WEST of France, not to the east. Ah, but this is 16th-century Europe. It gets messy.
In the 16th century, the Kingdom of France ended at Antibes. Down here in the South, France’s neighbor to the east was the Duchy of Savoy.
The Duke of Savoy had a nice piece of property under his rule. It covered lands that are now part of southeastern France, northern Italy, and southern Switzerland, including the cities of Geneva and Nice. Definitely prime real estate.
C’est Compliqué!
In those days, much of southern Italy was Spanish territory. Spain wanted to expand north. Both the Duchy of Savoy and the Holy Roman Empire had Spanish connections, so in the King of France’s view, his arch-enemy, Spain, was at his doorstep.
The King of France ordered the construction of Fort Carré to keep an eye on the Duke of Savoy and his pals, the Spanish.
Of course war broke out. In fact, lots of wars. Collectively they’re called the Italian Wars. The “Italian Wars” between Spain and France? Oui.
So, long story short, (even though it’s too late for that), the French built Fort Carré to defend Antibes from a Spanish-backed invasion from the east.
And if anyone ever asks you why Antibes’ Fort Carré was built, just tell them, “C’est compliqué.”
To be continued…
