CITADEL FORTRESS THE LARGEST FORTRESS IN THE AMERICAS BUILT BY HAITAINS and PALACE OF SANS-SOUCI (Ha

peggymddltn
Jan 6, 2019
3 min read

Palace of Sans-Souci

Often called the Palace of Versailles of the Caribbean, the Palace of Sans-Souci, in Haiti, was constructed during the early 19th Century as the royal residence of King Henry I. He was a former slave and fought in the American Revolutionary War. The palace was the site of opulent feasts and dances and considered the most important of the nine buildings built for the king. There was once a masterfully planned system of waterworks that many believe was modeled after the palace of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Germany.

Henri Christophe (1807 - 1820) was one of the most prominent figures of the Haitian slave revolution of 1791-1804.

The Sans-Souci palace is located in the town of Milot, Haiti, a few miles from the renowned Citadelle Laferriere fortress, also built by Henri Christophe. It was the Royal Residence of King Henry I of Haiti, also known as Henri Christophe, who resided there with his wife, Queen Marie Louise, and their two daughters.

Before the construction of Sans-Souci, the town of Milot was a French plantation that he was in charge of during the Haitian revolution. A former slave that became a key figure in the Haitian revolution, he rose to General under Jean-Jacques Dessallines, the principal leader of the revolution. After years of struggle, black slaves finally rebelled against the colonists to successfully proclaim the independent Republic of Haiti when the small nation gained its independence from France. The end of French rule meant that the colony of Saint Domingue was renamed Haiti after its original Taino Indian name and was newly independent. However, after the revolution Haiti split into two.

On January 1, 1804, after the long Revolutionary War against France, Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti free and independent. On September 22 of that same year, Dessalines proclaimed himself emperor for life and had every intention of ruling over the newly created nation until the end of his days. Henri Christophe however, found his title appealing, and along with other disaffected administration members, conspired to have Dessalines assassinated. After he was killed, Christophe created a separate government in Plaine-du-Nord (the north) and was elected President of the State of Haiti. One of his co-conspirators Alexandre Pétion would be elected president in the South. In 1811, Christophe declared himself king of the northern part of the country when the Haitian Republic became divided in two. He would proclaim himself Henry I, King of Haiti and go on to create a short lived kingdom which he ruled until his death in 1820.

Citadelle

Sans-Souci Palace

The ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace, severely damaged in the 1842 earthquake and never rebuilt.

Sans-Souci Palace was built in 1810 and completed in 1813 at the cost of hundreds or even thousands of laborers lives. With the reputation of having been one of the most magnificent structures of the West Indies, San-Souci was once a palace of feasting and dancing and grandiose gardens that were enjoyed by many foreign guests.

Recognized largely for its immense gardens, the palace grounds are reminiscent of the stepped gardens of Potsdam and Vienna and the canals and basins throughout the complex were inspired by the Grand Canal of the Palace of Versailles. Sans-Souci also housed artificial springs with fountains, bronzed lions, opulent furniture, decor and art from all over the world. Sans-Souci also housed artificial springs with fountains, bronzed lions, opulent furniture, decor and art from all over the world.

The palace had a grand façade, sweeping baroque staircases and classical terraces. Italian statues were also imported for Henri’s wife, with at least 15 of them scattered about the property. The walls on the outside have been burnished by weather and time, revealing a multitude of colors on the rocky surfaces, which has left this aging building with a watercolor impression.

At one time, Sans-Souci Palace was a symbol of prestige and it remains an example of Haitian-built pride and engineering. It demonstrates the architectural style and splendor that made it one of the most admired structures of the West Indies. It is an expression of Haiti’s diverse architectural accomplishments as well as a monument to Haiti’s struggle for liberty.

Sans-Souci Palace is in the process of being restored thanks to its uncontested artistry which makes it a valuable part of Haitian history. Past events of the area are even recreated in the varied and vibrant town of Milot surrounding this scenic structure.

Thanks to its historical significance, it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Haiti, King Henry, Sans-Souci Palace & Citadelle Laferriere.mov - Youtube