Fort Saint Andre Dome - Fort Saint Andre is remarkable for...

PROVENCE, AVIGNON, VAUCLUSE, FRANCE - 2017/10/26: Fort Saint Andre Dome - Fort Saint Andre is remarkable for its state of preservation. It sits imposingly at the top of Mount Andaon, above the Rhône River. The site was already occupied by the Benedictine abbey of Saint-André when construction of the fort began in the 12th century. In 1292 King Philippe le Bel set up defences of Avignon to protect trade routes but it was during the 13th century, with the establishment Avignon as the center for the Pope that the site became a military fortress. Within its grounds once stood 750 metres of wall, much of which still stands, plus crenellations, towers and two portcullises, a garrison, gatehouse and chapel. The fort is clearly visible from the other side of the Rhone in Avignon itself, bBut it is only once you are inside the fort that the strategic position of this fort dominating the Rhone Valley can be appreciated. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)