Dinant is a relatively small city situated in the magnificent country of Belgium, close to the border with France. Despite the fact that the city’s territory is small, the beauty of Dinant is undeniable and can easily make you forget about picturesque large cities. A rock and the Meuse River that flows along it create truly breathtaking scenery. Besides that, Dinant is famous as the home city of Adolphe Sax, father of the famous musical instrument, saxophone.
It is not clearly known when this settlement appeared on the map of Europe. However, present historic documents prove that the settlement was attacked by different nations in the past. Dinant had a tough history because it is located in the central part of the continent. At different times, various nations were rulers in the region – the Spanish, Dutch, French, Belgians, and Germans. The town was sold and bought several times, changed its owners, and was captured. During its long history, one country passed Dinant to another country as a part of an agreement. It was even exchanged to another city.
Dinant Citadel is the main landmark of the city. It is built in the Walloon city of Dinant, on the bank of the Meuse River. The eye-catching building is a military fortress erected in the 19th century. The gorgeous building has a spiked shape. As the fortress is located a hundred meters above the rest of Dinant, it is easy to see it from every part of the city. This elegant and impenetrable building was an important strategic point during the battle with German invaders in 1914, during World War I.
In order to visit this magnificent fortress nowadays, tourists need to walk on a staircase with four hundred twenty steps that are carved directly in the rock. There is a faster way to get to the top – to use a cable car. From the top of the citadel, visitors can enjoy a truly fabulous view of the city and surroundings. The scenery is absolutely unforgettable. Memories about the citadel and Dinant with its magical atmosphere will be cherished for many years.
Are you interested in churches and sacred places? In this case, don’t forget to visit the Collegiate Church of Our Lady that has gothic elements of design. The church was built in 1227. Before that time, there was an old Romanesque church on this site. Once, a tragedy that worried the whole city happened in Dinant. The church was built at the foot of a mountain, and once a big stone from that mountain fell down on the building. Local people considered that event a bad omen. Despite this, the new church was built on the site of the old one, regardless of the risk of a new avalanche.
The new church wasn’t much different from the old one. However, it now had the dominating chorus and northern transept. The main entrance got a new 68-meter tower, the top of which was decorated with an onion-shaped cupola. Starting from the moment of its building, the church has become a true pride of Dinant. Inside, the church is no less impressive. Stained-glass windows near the altar, the image of Our Lady, and a statue of a saint who is holding a model of the church – all these elements create a deeply harmonious atmosphere.
Continue your acquaintance with Dinant in the museum of beer. All people living in Belgium are certainly aware of the delicious local beer variety, Leffe. This beer has been brewed in the abbey with the same name since the 13th century. Visit this museum to find out more about this beer type that has so many fans. You will see what dishes were used to keep the beer in the past, and how old beer barrels differ from the big bottles used in modern days. Naturally, no excursion is possible without beer sampling.
In order to get to the city of Dinant in Belgium, tourists need to fly to the airport in Brussels first. This airport accommodates international flights from many countries of the world. To get to Dinant from the Belgian capital, take a train from Brussels that goes directly to the fortress-city. The ride will be not long – you will reach Dinant in one and a half hours.
