Namur
General Summary
Namur, 40 miles (65 kilometres) from Belgian capital Brussels, is the capital of French-speaking Wallonia in the southern half of Belgium. It’s an important city in historic terms and has a rich and varied past, which it owes in the most part to its strategic location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. An enormous citadel looms over the city, evoking its past military significance.
Namur’s existence dates back to pre-Roman times, when a settlement was established on the rocky spur between the two rivers in a high, defensive position that provided a good lookout post. By the early Middle Ages it had become the largest city in the area and a castle was built on the rocky spur to protect its ever-growing population. However, despite its extensive fortifications, Namur saw more than its fair share of battles and was occupied by various powers over the centuries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and France. This didn’t stop after Belgium gained independence in the early 19th century – it was occupied by German forces throughout most of the First World War and was even worse off in the Second World War when it often found itself at the front line of battles in the Ardennes area.
Extensive war damage therefore brought about major renovation in the city in the 20th century and few historic buildings remain. The impressive Citadel, however, stands proudly as a symbol of Namur’s continued strength and prosperity, and its new role as capital of Wallonia since 1986 has further reinforced its status as one of Belgium’s most important cities.
Namur’s existence dates back to pre-Roman times, when a settlement was established on the rocky spur between the two rivers in a high, defensive position that provided a good lookout post. By the early Middle Ages it had become the largest city in the area and a castle was built on the rocky spur to protect its ever-growing population. However, despite its extensive fortifications, Namur saw more than its fair share of battles and was occupied by various powers over the centuries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and France. This didn’t stop after Belgium gained independence in the early 19th century – it was occupied by German forces throughout most of the First World War and was even worse off in the Second World War when it often found itself at the front line of battles in the Ardennes area.
Extensive war damage therefore brought about major renovation in the city in the 20th century and few historic buildings remain. The impressive Citadel, however, stands proudly as a symbol of Namur’s continued strength and prosperity, and its new role as capital of Wallonia since 1986 has further reinforced its status as one of Belgium’s most important cities.