Initially, I wanted to devote more time to Namur, but after numerous adjustments to the trip plan, Namur turned into only a kind of transit point where we only had to spend the night. We arrived in this city before dark, but after a busy day we didn’t want to go anywhere. So the entire exploration of the city came down to a morning walk of an hour and a half the next day, completely alone, because... Zhenya preferred to sleep.
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Armed with a city map, I set off to wander the sparsely populated streets of the Walloon capital.
Namur is located at the confluence of the two rivers Meuse and Sambre, where the first human settlements appeared in the Mesolithic era. A piece of land at the very confluence of the rivers, resembling the shape of a pig's head, was named Grognon and became the beginning of urban development in the 4th-10th centuries. In the 10th century, a watchtower was built on top of the rock, and later the count's castle was formed around it. The count received the title "Count of Namur". In 1421, the county was bought by the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good. And in 1506, Namur passed to the Spanish Netherlands. At this time, Namur was repeatedly attacked, therefore, despite its long history, there are not many old buildings in the city.
In 1692, after a significant siege, the city passed to the French king Louis XIV. At this time, in addition to the existing fortress walls, a defensive rampart was erected according to the design of the outstanding military architect Vauban. Only from the end of the 17th century did active urban development begin, as evidenced by the rich architectural heritage of the 18th century in the Mosan style, characterized by a combination of brick and blue limestone (local Namur stone).
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Among the surrounding buildings, the majestic Cathedral of St. Albana, rebuilt by the Italian architect Gaetano Pizzoni in 1751-1767 on the site of a Romanesque church destroyed in 1740 as a result of a flood.
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The provincial palace (or Governor's Palace) in the classicist style was built in 1728-1732 as an episcopal palace, but after the French Revolution it acquired administrative significance:
7. Mansion Groesbeck de Croix
8. Arms Square and the Exchange building
In the old days, executions were carried out on the Square of Arms. Until 1914, the dominant feature of the square was the town hall. However, during the First World War, the town hall and adjacent buildings were destroyed, and a new square was rebuilt in 1923. Nowadays, the building that primarily attracts attention on the square is the old Exchange building, built in the neo-Renaissance style in 1932.
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In front of the Bourse you can see a funny sculptural group illustrating a scene from the comics in the old Namur newspaper "Françwès et Djoseph":
At 6 a.m., Franchevet catches up with Dioseff just beyond the bridge between Namur and Jambes. There are about 200 meters left to Zhamb.
- Hey, Dioseph, where are you going in such a hurry?
- I'm trying to keep up with my snail. She is in a hurry to get home before midnight.
Since both are deaf and speak in the Walloon dialect, but they cause laughter among newspaper readers and passers-by on the Place d'Armes:
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Construction of the Saint-Jacques Tower began in 1388, as part of the city wall, and the tower became a bell tower in 1746:
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The Royal Theater is one of the last theaters in Europe equipped in the Italian style (19th century). After the fire, the theater was rebuilt in sandstone, a rare material for Namur:
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The calling card of Namur is the citadel:
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The first fortress on this site was built by the Romans back in the 3rd-4th centuries to protect the Meuse valley from Germanic tribes. Later in the 10th century, the Count of Namur erected a wooden watchtower on the site of Roman ruins, which in subsequent years was overgrown with defensive structures. So in 1235-1245 a new stone fortress was built, which was expanded in the 14th century. Charles V of Habsburg improved the fortress in the years 1542-1555 so that in the following years it could function as a real city. In the 17th century, the walls of the citadel were doubled so that the fortress became one of the most fortified structures in Europe. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, most of the fortress walls were destroyed by order of Napoleon, since they lost their defensive significance, finding themselves in the depths of the empire.
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The Butchers' House was built of brick and blue limestone in 1588-1590. This is one of the rare and beautiful examples of 16th century civil architecture in Namur. Now it houses one of the most important and significant archaeological museums in Wallonia:
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On the opposite bank of the Sambre, under the walls of the citadel, there is the building of the Walloon Parliament and the Saint-Gilles hospice. The hospital building, founded in the Middle Ages, changed several names until it became home to the Saint-Gilles Hospice in the 18th century. This charitable institution was of paramount importance in the social life of Namur, taking in the poor, sick, orphans and elderly people without the means to support their lives. Two parts of the building, built in the 16th-17th centuries, retain their significance today. The main building, built in 1668 from brick and limestone and recently restored, now houses the Walloon Parliament.
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19. River Meuse
21. Church of St. Joseph (1627-1655)
65 kilometers from Brussels, where the Meuse and Sabra rivers merge, is the small city of Namur (Belgium). Namur is the capital of the Wallonia region and the administrative center of the Walloon province.
The city of Namor grew around a powerful citadel, built by the Romans on the site of a Celtic settlement to protect their land from attacks by Germanic tribes. These events took place shortly before the Nativity of Christ.
Namur - a province and city in Belgium - has an eventful history, a huge historical heritage, and many interesting sights. Namur was annexed to Belgium only at the end of the 19th century.
Main attractions of Namur
In the area between the Meuse and Sabra rivers is the historical center of Namur - this is where the attractions that most attract the attention of tourists are located. Not only the old part of the province, but the entire city occupies a very small area, so the best way to get to know it is on foot. There are many pedestrian streets on its territory, which is why when moving by car you have to spend a lot of time and nerves searching for parking.
So, what attractions in the city of Namur (Belgium) are worth visiting first?
This embankment is one of the most picturesque embankments in the quiet and cozy province of Namur. The pavement is laid with beautiful tiles, there are exquisite iron fences, there are comfortable benches along the entire perimeter and well-groomed trees grow. In autumn, when the foliage of these trees turns yellow and falls, the embankment takes on a particularly fabulous look. At this time, many vacationers always gather here who want to take vacation photos in Namur (Belgium) that would evoke pleasant memories of the trip.
If you start your walk through the administrative center of the Walloon province on the embankment of the Sambre River, then you can appreciate from afar all the power and strength of the main local attraction - the Namur Citadel.
Citadel
It is the Citadel, built by the Romans, and still standing surrounded by protective walls, that is the largest structure of this quiet city.
Near the Citadel there is a well-kept and fairly large park where local residents like to relax. There is also an observation tower here, from which you can clearly see the entire city and its surroundings. There are well-equipped picnic areas and a beautiful playground for children.
Even in extreme heat, the climb to the fortress is not at all tiring, but if you don’t want to walk, you can take a train.
Entrance free entry into the area.
Provincial Museum Felicien Rops
There are also artistic attractions in Namur. On a quiet, cozy street at Rue Fumal 12, in an 18th-century house, there is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Felicien Rops. About 1,000 works by Félicien Rops (watercolors, sketches, etchings), as well as documents and books telling about his life and creative work, are on display here.
The canvases of the artist and caricaturist have rather strange subjects: women appear mainly as fiends of hell, bringing death to men. Rops was a talented painter with a taste for Erotica, and although most of his works are quite “normal”, it is advisable not to show the exhibits on the second floor to children.
In the courtyard of the mansion in which the museum is located, there is a small garden, quite traditional for a small province.
The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Mondays in July and August. Working hours: from 10:00 to 18:00. Additional holidays: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
Ticket prices for adults 3 €, for students and pensioners 1.5 €, for children under 12 years of age admission is free. On the first Sunday of every month, admission is free for everyone.
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In the central part of Namur, at Rue Saint-Loup 1, there is the Jesuit Church of Saint-Loup. This structure, designed in the Southern Dutch Baroque style, began construction in 1620 and was completed in 1645. The facade of the building is decorated with a traditional Jesuit symbol - the monogram of Jesus Christ “IHS”.
From the outside, the church cannot be called impressive, but once you go inside, everything changes. The interior is striking in its luxury: a huge amount of black and red marble (columns, ceiling), skillfully carved wooden confessional booths, as well as paintings painted by one of Rubens’ students.
Now the Church of St. Lupa is active, and exhibitions and concert performances are often organized here. Like many religious buildings in Belgium, entry to this church is free.
Cathedral of Saint Abraham (Cathedral of Saint Avenin)
Opposite the city administration of Namur, on Place St-Aubain, stands the majestic building of the Cathedral of Saint Abraham. Such a large-scale construction would be quite suitable for Brussels, and not just for a rather modest province.
The cathedral, built in the 18th century, has one characteristic feature. Its design is designed simultaneously in two styles - Baroque and Rococo, and thanks to very finely observed proportions, the structure turned out to be very harmonious.
You can see the cathedral from the outside at any time, and you can go inside on Tuesday and Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00.
How to get to Namur from Brussels
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By train
In Belgium, the most convenient form of transport is the train. Trains run very frequently in all directions, and ticket prices can be considered average for Europe.
So, upon arrival in Brussels, in the airport terminal you need to find a sign with a train and an arrow pointing in the right direction, that is, to the ticket office. At the box office you need to buy a ticket to the city of Namur. If the ticket has already been purchased online and printed, there is no need to look for a ticket office.
Then you need to take the train to Brussels, to the Bruxelles-Luxembourg stop. The Intercity train departs from this same stop to Namur every hour. The train reaches its destination in 51 minutes; tickets cost 6€ - 10€.
Perhaps the most convenient way is to take a taxi, and directly from the airport. If you order a transfer, the driver can drop you off at the hotel or meet you with a sign at the airport. The transfer service will cost 120€ - 160€.
By car
You can get to Namur (Belgium) by car. The journey between these cities will take 5 liters of gasoline, which will cost 6 € - 10 €.
Sights of Namur on the map.
Video about the Belgian city of Namur.
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The first mention of Namur dates back to the 7th century. The first settlers were Celts, then the French and later the Austrians ruled the area. Namur became a territory of Belgium only at the end of the 19th century; it is an ancient city with a rich history and a huge historical heritage.
You should start exploring the local attractions with a walk along the Embankment, which stretches along the Sambre River. From here you have a beautiful view of the Citadel. One of the oldest buildings is St. Aubin's Cathedral, which was extensively rebuilt in the 18th century. Several great military leaders are buried on the territory of the Cathedral. Unfortunately, excursions through the halls of the cathedral are conducted quite rarely, but anyone can enjoy its majestic facades. On one of the streets there is another beautiful building - the Saint-Loup Church. Its construction was completed in the mid-17th century. Due to the fact that the church is located on one of the narrowest streets, its façade can barely be seen.
The largest structure is the Citadel. The first walls surrounding it were erected in the Middle Ages, and the most recent ones were built a little over a hundred years ago. A spacious park adjoins the citadel, and right in front of the building there is the so-called stadium - a spacious area with stands. Not far from the Citadel is the Namur Castle, today a restaurant is open within its walls and everyone can dine by candlelight, surrounded by a real medieval atmosphere. Copyright www.site
Walking along the quiet streets of the city, you can see interesting ancient buildings made in the best traditions of past centuries, visit local shops or stroll along the river bank.
One of the most interesting symbols of the city is the Jamb Bridge; it was built more than a thousand years ago. Looking at this bridge now, it’s hard to even believe its impressive age; it still continues to be used for its intended purpose. Not long ago, the architectural landmark was supplemented with a beautiful lighting system, so now many people want to admire the bridge in the evening. When the lights are on, it appears as if the bridge is illuminated by torches.
The most important religious monument for the city's residents is the Temple of the Virgin Mary. The very first church on its site was built more than a thousand years ago; visitors to the temple can still see some elements of the old building. The main artifact of the ancient church is the statue of the Virgin Mary, which was considered the guardian of the city back in the Middle Ages. Once upon a time, the city walls were surrounded by deep ditches filled with water; fragments of these walls next to the temple can still be seen today. Even the ditches were preserved, but now they have been transformed into artificial ponds surrounded by flower beds.
Fans of theatrical art in Namur will have the opportunity to visit the Royal Theater, its opening took place more than 150 years ago. The theater building is built of rare sandstone and is a valuable architectural monument for the city. Just like many years ago, today the theater hosts interesting performances.
One of the most amazing city attractions is the Marie Spilar Tower. It is a surviving part of the old city wall and there are many incredible stories associated with this tower. Since its construction, it has managed to remain virtually unchanged; even during the Second World War, the tower remained undamaged, while all the buildings located next to it lay in ruins. In the post-war period, several new buildings were built next to the tower; today they represent a single architectural ensemble.
Namur (Namur, population 100,000) is the capital of the province of Namur, Wallonia and the French-speaking community of Belgium.
Namur is often referred to by the Belgians as a city of the bourgeoisie, as opposed to the "working class" Charleroi or Liege, located in the areas of former coal mines, as well as due to its beautiful architecture of the 17th-18th centuries and its favorable location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. .
Story
The Namur region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Neanderthal remains were discovered in a cave in the nearby village of Spy.
The city was founded by the Romans after they conquered the local Celtic tribe about 50 years before Christ.
In the Middle Ages, Namur developed as a trading city. In the 15th century, the Count of Flanders sold the County of Namur to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy.
In 1506, Namur became part of the Spanish Netherlands, ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, which acquired the Burgundian possessions through marriage. At this time, the historical part of the city was built.
Namur's strategic location made it a target of German bombers during World War II.
Orientation in the city
Namur is a small city that can be easily explored on foot. The large number of pedestrian streets makes it difficult to travel by car. From the south, the historical center of the city is limited by the rivers Meuse and Sabre, and from the north by the iron road. The main streets where all the attractions and shops are located are: "Rue de Fer" (Iron Street), "Rue de l"Ange" (Angel Street), "Rue de Bruxelles" (Brussels Street) and "Rue Emile Cuvelier".
Attractions
Historical Center
Construction of the city center began in the mid-17th century. Most of the buildings are built in the Mosan style (after the French name for the Meuse River) of red brick with blue stone windows. Most notable narrow shopping streets.
Cathedral St Alban's Cathedral(Saint Aubain) was built in the Baroque style by the Italian architect Gaetino Pizzoni between 1751 and 1767.
St Loup Church on Rue du College is another example of beautiful Belgian Baroque. It was built by the Jesuit Father Huyssens in 1621 as the church of the Jesuit College, and named the Church of St. Ignacius. The Church of St. Ignatius was renamed the Church of St. Loup in 1773, when the persecution of the Jesuits began. In 1867, the facade of this church was faced with local blue stone instead of black marble. Although the street still bears the name of the Jesuit College (College Street), the college itself moved to Erpent on the outskirts of the city in 1971.
Museums
There are not many interesting museums in Namur.
If you intend to visit only one museum, then it is better to choose Trésor d'Oignies on rue Julie Billiart, 17 (open Tue-Sat from 10 to 12 and from 14 to 17, Sun from 14 to 17; entrance 1 ,20 euros, use the doorbell if the door is closed) Most of the items on display here are gold and silver reliquaries (vessels for relics) made by Hugo d'Oignies at the beginning of the 13th century.
In a similar Namur Museum of Ancient Art(Tue-Sun from 10 to 18; 1.20 euros) on Rue de Fer, gold and silver items from the 11th to 13th centuries, made in the Mosan style, are exhibited.
Located on the small Rue Fumal, the Félicien Rops Museum (open every day from 10 to 18, closed on Mondays except July and August, 2.5 euros) is dedicated to this Namur-born artist and illustrator. Rops, who spent most of his life in Brussels and Namur, is famous for his erotic and dark drawings, usually with religious themes.
Theater
The Royal Theater of Namur is not very large, but very attractive. It was renovated several years ago. Visiting is free, although the main hall with its beautiful Baroque ceilings is closed to visitors during rehearsals.
Citadel
One of the most remarkable places in Namur is the (Citadel). In the 3rd-4th centuries, a Roman fortress was already built here to protect against Germanic tribes. In the 10th century, the Count of Namur erected a wooden tower instead of the Roman ruins. The stone castle was built between 1235 and 1245, and was expanded in the 14th century.
Charles V of Habsburg completed the construction of the Citadel between 1542 and 1555. It was called "La Médiane", and in case of war it was supposed to function as a real city.
The walls of the citadel were doubled in the 17th century and thus became the most protected structure in Europe. At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon ordered part of the Citadel to be dismantled.
The Citadel is home to Guy Delforge Perfumery. The workshop is open to the public and provides an opportunity to understand the different stages of perfume making. Tours start at 15:30 every Saturday (except holidays) and cost 3 euros. The showroom is open Tuesday to Saturday (and Mondays in July and August) from 9:15 to 17:30 (Sundays and public holidays from 14:15 to 17:30). Free admission.
Useful information for tourists about Namur in Belgium - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Namur is a city 65 kilometers from Brussels, which is the capital of the French-speaking part of Belgium. Its population of one hundred thousand, with due self-criticism, considers their native places to be bourgeoisly pompous, devoid of the festive lightness that subtly accompanies the atmosphere of the democratic regions of the country. This impression is softened by the elegant city embankments, which mark the confluence of the Sambre, a local river that once gave the city strategic importance, into the deep Meuse.
The Neanderthals were the first to populate the Namur region, leaving traces of their long-term stay in the cave formation of a nearby village. They were subsequently driven out by advancing Celtic tribes. And half a century before the birth of Christ, more consistent Romans founded a city that developed in the Middle Ages according to trade canons.
Even in ancient times, the location of Namur made it possible for the townspeople to control the route through the Ardennes, which required serious fortification measures. For this reason, the Merovingians built a fortress in the 7th century, confirming the strategic importance of the picturesque geographical point. The county of Namur, which was later formed, together with the city of the same name that became the capital, underwent many historical upheavals, successively changing titled rulers.
The struggle for possession of Namur went on almost continuously. The success of those who contested the city was also not stable. During the fighting of the protracted war of the League of Augsburg, Marshal Buffle and his opponent, William III of Orleans, repeatedly captured the city, only to lose it soon to their rival.
Historical documents and even literary classics of the 17th century are replete with facts about the struggle for Namur. The First World War and the Ardennes operation in the final year of the Second World War also plunged the Belgian city into the abyss of bloodshed.
Perhaps the main attraction of Namur should be considered the citadel, founded by the Romans, which is striking in its size. Subsequent reconstructions, permanently pursuing the goal of strengthening the resistance of the defensive structure, turned it into a true monster of serfdom. After all, the total area of the formidable structure, including the adjacent park, reaches seventy hectares! The efforts of the architects paid off - considered the most fortified by European standards, it has conveyed the formidable power of its walls to the present day.
Today's inhabitants of Namur have found an aesthetic use for the fortress, making it part of the city's tourism potential. From its walls, which have absorbed the spirit of centuries, there is an overview of the city’s bridges, among which modern, thoughtful architecture perfectly coexists with ancient ones. The concert venue, which adorns the pillar-shaped hill on the territory of the fortress, regularly becomes the object of attention of performance lovers.
