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Fortress · Dinant, Namur
Citadel of Dinant
Dutch fortress from 1818 to 1821, about 100 meters above the Meuse, on the site of castles from the 11th and 17th centuries. It has a museum about the wars, a trench simulation, cells and a viewpoint overlooking the collegiate church.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Citadel of Dinant
The cliff behind the collegiate church received the first castle in the 11th century, built by the prince-bishops of Liège. Charles the Bold razed the fortification in the sack of Dinant in 1466. At the end of the 17th century, when the city came under French rule, Vauban strengthened the defenses, and Louis XIV even had his court there in 1692.
The citadel you see today was built by the Dutch between 1818 and 1821, over Vauban's dismantled fort. It stands about 100 meters above the Meuse. In 1914 French troops occupied the heights to protect the bridge. In 1940 German artillery fired on it while Rommel's division crossed the river at Leffe.
The visit is guided, in French and Dutch, and goes through rooms about the First World War, a trench simulation, the cells, a kitchen and reconstructions of the early 19th century. There is a carriage linked to Madame de Maintenon. The route ends in a tilted room that challenges your balance.
The main attraction is the viewpoint. From up there you can see the collegiate church's bell tower, the roofs of Dinant squeezed between the rock and the river, the Charles de Gaulle bridge and the bends of the Meuse.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half, including the guided tour and time at the viewpoint.
Best time
From April to September, when there are more guided tours per day. In winter the operating hours are reduced; check before you go. Clear days guarantee the view of the valley.
How to get there
On foot, via the stairway of 408 steps that begins behind the collegiate church, at Place Reine Astrid. By car, there is parking at the top, with access via the plateau roads. The train station is about 250 meters from the base of the stairway.
Tip
The stairway is steep and tiring: go slowly, wear sneakers and bring water. There are benches along the way to rest and enjoy the view. At the top there is a children's area and a place to eat. Ask at the entrance if there is an English tour that day.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Citadel of Dinant
How many steps are there on the staircase up to Dinant Citadel?
There are 408 steps, which begin behind Collégiale Notre-Dame. The climb is steep, but there are resting points.
Is the visit guided?
Yes. The visit is guided, usually in French and Dutch. Check at the entrance whether there is an English session.
Can you get there by car?
Yes. There is parking at the top of the Citadel, accessible via the plateau roads above the town.