Fort de Dave, Military fortress in Namur Province, Belgium

Fort de Dave is a triangular fortification in Namur Province that overlooks the Meuse River valley. A deep ditch system measuring about 6 meters deep and 8 meters wide surrounds the entire structure and formed a key defensive line.

Built from 1888 to 1892 to General Henri Alexis Brialmont's plans, Fort de Dave was one of nine forts of the Fortified Position of Namur. In August 1914 it was bombarded by German artillery and surrendered on 25 August after its escarpment became untenable. Upgraded in the 1930s, it was attacked again on 15 May 1940 and surrendered on 24 May with one dead.

The fortress shows the shift from traditional stone construction to concrete in late 19th-century military building techniques. This construction method influenced fortifications across Western Europe and reveals how military building practices changed during that period.

The fort is currently closed to visitors due to its abandoned state and structural deterioration that make exploration unsafe without proper supervision. Those interested should view it from outside and check local facilities in Namur for additional information about the region's defensive history.

The fort housed multiple gun turrets, including a twin turret for 15cm guns and a single turret for 21cm guns. It also featured two additional twin turrets for 12cm weapons and several positions for 57mm cannons used for local defense.