Citadel of Namur

The Citadel of Namur is a medieval fortress on a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. It features extensive defensive walls and several underground passages that run beneath the surface.

The site began as a Roman fortification and was later shaped by major reconstructions from military engineers in the 17th century. After the 1692 siege, the fortress received its current form with modern fortification systems.

The Terra Nova Visitor Centre in a former military building shows how the city developed over centuries and how its fortifications were designed. The exhibitions help visitors understand what role this fortress played for the people of Namur.

Visitors can go underground on guided tours and climb stairs to explore different parts of the site. The underground spaces maintain a steady temperature year-round, so bringing warmer clothing is advisable.

A former artillery workshop was transformed into a perfume studio in the 1990s, where handcrafted fragrances are created. This unexpected craft merges military history with modern creative use.

Location: Namur

Architects: Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: Rte Merveilleuse 64, 5000 Namur, Belgium

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:30

Phone: +3281247370

Website: http://citadelle.namur.be

GPS coordinates: 50.46056,4.86528

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29