Description Constructed between 1828 and 1856, the Halifax citadel is an impressive star-shaped masonry structure complete with defensive ditch, earthen ramparts, musketry gallery, powder magazine, garrison cells, guard room, barracks and school room.

Entrance Gate & Information Centre Entrance Gate & Information Centre - The present Citadel in 1856, but since the founding of Halifax in 1749 several fortresses were build on the hill. - On the first floor of the Cavalier building you find the Information Center and gift shop.

1 st Floor & Outside - On the second floor of the Cavalier building you will find the Army Museum with display of Armour through the ages. - You can walk around the walls, see the cannons, viewing platforms, the casements and the Musketry Gallery.

Musicians & Look off Views - One thing you must like is the music of bagpipes. - From the outer walls viewing platforms you can look far on Halifax surroundings like Georges Island, another former British fortress.

Town Clock To find the Citadel, drive to downtown Halifax and look for Sackville Street near the corner of Brunswick Street. If you are walking, look for the Town Clock just below the Citadel on the Harbour side and the signal flags flying high atop the Citadel wall corner ramparts. A set of stairs begins just below the Town Clock and continues above it to the fort entrance. Pedestrian access is also available at the Sackville Street entrance and tour buses disembark visitors at a small parking lot near the fort gates.

Closing Time At the end of the day the closing of the fortress will be loudly announced by the doorman.

History From the time of its founding in 1749 through to the late 19th century, Halifax was one of four principal overseas naval stations in the British empire. Military authorities built a system of coastal fortifications in and around this strategic port to defend the harbor and its approaches, with a mighty citadel to serve as a command post and to ward off a landward attack. From the time of its founding in 1749 through to the late 19th century, Halifax was one of four principal overseas naval stations in the British empire. Military authorities built a system of coastal fortifications in and around this strategic port to defend the harbor and its approaches, with a mighty citadel to serve as a command post and to ward off a landward attack. NEXT

The Halifax Citadel The present citadel was completed in 1856, and is the fourth in a series of forts to occupy the hill overlooking the town.. At the height of its influence in the mid-Victorian era, the citadel was the headquarters of one of the Halifax garrison’s two infantry regiments and an important center of operations in the garrison. This garrison consisted of many different British units over the course of its operation who generally were posted to Halifax for a two year period. Two of these units were the 78th highland regiment of foot and the 3rd brigade royal artillery.

Halifax Historical Background Founded in 1749, Halifax is steeped in British military tradition. A magnificent statue of Winston Churchill in front of the Spring Garden road memorial public library is a lasting testament to the British connection, and the union jack flies on buildings throughout the city. The city's protected harbor was ideally suited to stave off invaders. Halifax's active involvement with naval affairs began in 1758, when a large dockyard area was built. The following year, Halifax operated as a base for British forces attacking the French fort at nearby Louisbourg. NEXT

The Harbourside market In the 17th and 18th centuries, privateers used Halifax to unload pirated booty. Permitted to keep a portion of the stolen goods, they shipped the rest to Britain. Harbourside market at privateers wharf is now a popular shopping district. Further south on the waterfront is the brewery, where gigantic barrels of plunder were transferred to ships Britain bound. Today it is home to the Halifax farmers' market and Alexander Keith's brewery tour. The Halifax citadel, sits high above the streets of Halifax. Within its ironstone walls and ramparts are a military museum, garrison cells, soldiers' barracks and a fully restored powder magazine. At the foot of citadel hill, the old clock tower is the city's most distinctive landmark, built by the punctuality- conscious prince Edward, duke of Kent, in 1803.