The 'Unknown Soldier' was chosen from nine unidentified bodies in a specific ceremony held within the citadel on November 10, 1920.
The underground galleries were originally constructed between 1630 and 1640 by engineers working under the direction of Vauban.
At the peak of the battle, the underground city housed up to 2,000 soldiers while serving as a strategic hub for military communications.
The citadel was never breached by German forces, maintaining its defensive integrity throughout the entire duration of the WWI conflict.
Electric lighting and a dedicated water purification system were installed in the galleries during the war to support sustained human presence.
The site operated its own bakery, capable of producing 28,000 rations of bread per day to support the frontline troops.
The Underground Citadel of Verdun is an extensive network of galleries carved into the rock beneath a 17th-century fortification, serving as a vital command center during the Battle of Verdun in 1916. The site spans over 7 kilometers of subterranean passages, housing barracks, a bakery, and a telephone exchange during the First World War. Visitors navigate the site via automated electric carts that travel through the restored tunnels, accompanied by immersive audio-visual presentations. It served as the logistics hub for the French army, capable of sheltering thousands of soldiers. The site includes the ceremonial crypt where the remains of the Unknown Soldier were selected before being interred under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. During the conflict, the citadel provided a rare sanctuary from constant shelling, functioning as the primary medical and supply depot for the surrounding front lines. The facility remains a significant memorial site dedicated to the history of the Meuse region during the Great War.
The entrance portal of the citadel provides the best architectural perspective, though interior photography is limited during the automated cart tour.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures in the underground galleries remain significantly cooler than the surface year-round.
Book your entry slot online in advance, especially during the peak summer months, as tour capacity is limited.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the floors can be uneven and slightly damp.
Do not attempt to walk through the galleries without the official tour cart, as most areas are restricted for safety reasons.
Closed for several weeks in early January for annual maintenance; open daily during the remainder of the year.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout the tour as this is a primary war memorial site.
