Quand la poudrière de Cayenne a-t-elle été construite ?

Sa construction a été décidée en 1864 et l'ouvrage livré en 1865. La première poudrière de la ville, elle, se trouvait au fort Cépérou en 1749.

Peut-on visiter l'intérieur de la poudrière ?

Non, la poudrière n'est pas ouverte au public pour des visites intérieures, mais son architecture peut être admirée depuis l'extérieur.

La poudrière est-elle un monument protégé ?

Oui, elle est inscrite au titre des monuments historiques depuis le 10 avril 1989.

Où se trouve la poudrière de Cayenne ?

Elle se situe derrière la Préfecture de Guyane, en direction du vieux port de Cayenne : un chemin part sur la droite avant le ponton.

Culture & patrimoine★ Free accessCayenne

La poudrière de Cayenne

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Overview

The Cayenne powder magazine, in the heart of the city in French Guiana, is a listed monument completed in 1865. Built to store the colony's gunpowder, this cut-stone structure represents a chapter in French colonial history. The powder magazine is not open to the public for interior visits, but its architecture can be admired from the outside.

Why Visit

The powder magazine's design is characteristic of military construction of the era: thick cut-stone walls and a tiled roof. Its heavy wooden door, topped by a French coat of arms, and the few windows cut into the surrounding wall add to its historical character. The solidity of its construction was crucial to prevent the risk of explosion.

History

Cayenne's first powder magazine stood at Fort Cépérou, in 1749. Judged too exposed to enemy fire, it was replaced: a new magazine behind the governor's residence, the former Jesuit convent that is now the prefecture, was decided in 1864 and delivered in 1865. It could hold up to 94,600 kg of powder. The building has been listed as a historic monument since 10 April 1989.

Getting There

To reach the powder magazine, head towards the old port of Cayenne. Before reaching the jetty, a path branches off to the right — follow it to find the building. The powder magazine is located behind the Prefecture of French Guiana in Cayenne.

Getting there

Location

Cayenne · Guyane

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Frequently asked questions

When was the Cayenne powder magazine built?+

It was built in 1865 to store the gunpowder needed for the defence of the colony.

Can you visit the inside of the powder magazine?+

No, the powder magazine is not open to the public for interior visits, but its architecture can be admired from the outside.

Is the powder magazine a protected monument?+

Yes, it was listed as a historic monument in 1989, having previously served as a warehouse and then a museum.

Where is the Cayenne powder magazine located?+

It is situated behind the Prefecture of French Guiana, in the direction of the old port of Cayenne: a path branches off to the right before the jetty.