Citadelle (Citadel), Wallonia, Belgium

4periandro 5:00 PM Aug 9, 2020

Impressive views
The Namur Citadel is a fortress in the Walloon capital city of Namur built on an impressive rocky spur at the confluence of the rivers Sambre and Meuse. It’s a stunning fortification with splendid ramparts which constitute a nice view from several points of the city. It dates back to Roman times albeit it’s been rebuilt several times until it was adapted to Menno van Coehoorn’s design, this one improved by Vauban after a siege which took place in 1692. Some years before it had been enlarged, and so the new section called “Terra Nova” was included. There is underground an impressive extensive network of passages, a part of which may be visited in guided tours. It’s advisable to make such a visit in order to see the interesting underground galleries and also to get to know the history of the Citadel and to realize the arduous work which was needed to carry out such a construction. Likewise, the panoramic view one can enjoy over the city of Namur and the Meuse upon climbing up to the Citadel top and once on it is marvelous and breathtaking. It’s very interesting to see St. Aubin Cathedral dome and the buildings’ roofs in general from that point. It’s in fact an unforgettable view. Finally, the Terra Nova Visitor Center is a good place to learn about 2000 years of History of the city. It’s a museum like place housing nevertheless not many interesting items. Among those interesting ones there are rock fragments, ammonite fossil, a French mortar and a cable car cabin. It’s by all means recommendable to visit that Citadel particularly to behold the fantastic views over the city which can be enjoyed from there.

5TravellingDaveB 5:00 PM Feb 25, 2022

Spectacular Citadel with Underground Tunnels
I walked up the hill to the citadel, although there is a cable car as well, which I took on the way back down. The citadel itself is very impressive, and covers a large area. There is a small museum there which features the history of the area. The tunnels are a must. I had to take a tour in Dutch as that was the only one at the time I was there, but the guide, who was excellent, still explained everything to me in English. A really interesting afternoon spent there. Definitely recommended.