Letter Re: Bastion Structures and Vauban Architecture

Jim,
I remember a while back there was some chatter about building fortifications and the subject of “bastions” was brought up. Bastions, of course, being the protrusions from castle walls that allow all exterior walls and outside corners to be defended from within the fortification. Well, I was looking at some aerial photos of the epicenter of the recent Italian earthquake and found this fortification – in L’Aquila, Italy.

It is a perfect example of a structure for which not one single inch of exterior wall cannot be defended from within. The various angles guarantee that fire can be directed down the full length of any outside wall. I just thought it was an interesting illustration of the [Vauban fortification] concept. – Matt R.