Brest
Brest is a city in the northwest of France in the Brittany region. It is an important port and location of one of the largest naval bases in the country. This is not the most beautiful city in France. Much of its historic center was destroyed during World War II. The most notable feature of the city is the picturesque harbor which is considered one of the most beautiful on the Atlantic coast.
Brest is located on the Atlantic coast in the western part of the Brittany Peninsula. The city is in a hilly area in the north of the bay of the same name. The climate is temperate marine...
History
To the III century. the Romans set up a military camp in the area of modern Brest which lasted two centuries. Subsequently, the land of Ossism in the VI century. the Bretons moved. Over time new ones appeared on the site of the old Roman fortifications. In the XI century. Brest Castle was built in the city within the borders of which the city developed over the next five centuries.
In 1342 during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453) Brest was conquered by the British. In the future the Brest Castle fortified by them for several decades more than once saved its new owners during numerous sieges. The Bretons tried to recapture the city from the British in 1373 and 1386 but to no avail. In 1397 Brest nevertheless went to the Bretons but not by force: under the terms of a temporary armistice with France the city was transferred to Brittany which was in alliance with the French side.
However the story of Brest's military successes did not end there. In 1403 hostilities between the French and English forces resumed and this time Brittany was to defend its right to a castle. And she succeeded: until the end of the Hundred Years War in 1453, the British could not take revenge.
Brest acquired particular strategic importance in the 17th century. By decision of Cardinal Richelieu who appreciated the convenience of the city harbor conditions were created in Brest for the basing of warships. In the future both the harbor and the castle were strengthened in accordance with the requirements of the time.
In the XX century. Brest's access to the Atlantic Ocean became especially important thus it served as a point of transport connection with North America. In particular during the First World War the city served as a landing port for American troops.
The name Brest may be derived from the Celtic word "hill". Up to the 13th century, nothing was known about settlements here. The first written references to it date back to 1240. Brest became important in the 17th century under Cardinal Richelieu. A large port was built here which soon became the base for the French fleet.
In the 17th century, Brest was fortified by the famous military engineer Woban. In 1940 the city was occupied by German troops and in 1944 almost completely destroyed by bombing.
Sights
Brest Castle is the oldest monument of Brest founded in the 17th century and surviving the Second World War. This citadel "guards" the entrance to the bay and is a Maritime Museum.
Oceanopolis is a huge complex consisting of 50 aquariums with thousands of different marine creatures. It is the most popular tourist attraction of the city.
Brest Bridge is a wonderful cable-stayed bridge over the Elorn River built in 1994.
