Located up north just 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the city of Cap-Haïtien, the country´s most iconic landmark is a massive stone fortress – the largest in the Americas, in fact – rising 130 feet (39 meters) atop Bonnet à l’Evèque mountain, which is itself 3,000 ft. (914m) above sea level. Commissioned by Henri Christophe, a key leader of the revolution which won Haiti´s independence in 1804 and who later created a kingdom in the north (1811-1820), it was completed in the last year of his reign before he committed suicide to avoid being overthrown or assassinated. Its ramparts, barracks, courtyards, panoramic views, and other features are accessible to visitors who brave the seven-mile, uphill approach – first by 4x4, then on foot or horseback. It´s also part of Hait´s single UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the nearby Sans Souci Palace (see below) and a residential complex called Ramiers.
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