Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
General Summary
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe (Barvaux) is a small town in the Ardennes region, in the heart of the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
The city has a long history. Archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period (approx 2000 BC). Evidence of Roman occupancy has also been discovered, such as the remains of what may have been a necropolis, which suggest that it may have been an important Roman settlement. Various tombs of Frankish peoples dating from the third to fifth centuries have also been found.
By the 15th century, Barvaux had established itself in the shipping industry, using the Ourthe to transport goods throughout the Ardennes and Luxembourg. Warehouses were dotted all along the river. However, new technology brought about the decline of the inland waterways in the late 19th century with the arrival of rail transport.
Nowadays Barvaux is a popular shopping and tourist centre, with a warm and welcoming small town atmosphere.
The city has a long history. Archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period (approx 2000 BC). Evidence of Roman occupancy has also been discovered, such as the remains of what may have been a necropolis, which suggest that it may have been an important Roman settlement. Various tombs of Frankish peoples dating from the third to fifth centuries have also been found.
By the 15th century, Barvaux had established itself in the shipping industry, using the Ourthe to transport goods throughout the Ardennes and Luxembourg. Warehouses were dotted all along the river. However, new technology brought about the decline of the inland waterways in the late 19th century with the arrival of rail transport.
Nowadays Barvaux is a popular shopping and tourist centre, with a warm and welcoming small town atmosphere.