Dinant is a small but beautiful city located in the Walloon region of Belgium, on the banks of the Meuse River, in the heart of the Ardennes mountains. Dinant is known for its steep-sided cliffs, its medieval town center, and its famous Citadel.
The most popular tourist attractions in Dinant include the Citadel, the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Notre-Dame, and the Sax Museum. The Citadel, enthroned high above the city, is a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Dinant is the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame. This impressive Gothic-style church dates back to the 13th century and is perched on a steep rock overlooking the town. The church's distinctive onion-shaped dome and its ornate interior make it a must-visit attraction. Climb up the 408 steps of the Collegiate Church's tower, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Dinant and the surrounding countryside. There is also a tourist road train that drives up to the citadel visitors’ center.
Another prominent sight in Dinant is the imposing Citadel, situated on a rocky outcrop high above the town. The Citadel has a rich military history and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past. You can reach the Citadel by climbing up the 408 steps or take a more leisurely ride on the cable car. Once at the top, explore the fortress, visit the museum, and learn about the strategic importance of the Meuse Valley throughout the centuries.
Dinant is also known for its picturesque riverscape. Take a leisurely boat ride along the Meuse River and soak in the scenic beauty of the surrounding cliffs and rolling hills. You can rent a kayak or a pedal boat if you prefer a more active experience. Don't forget to capture some memorable photos of the colorful houses lining the riverbank.
If you're a fan of Belgian cuisine, Dinant won't disappoint. Indulge in some delicious local specialties such as couque de Dinant, a crunchy biscuit made with honey and almonds, or sample some regional beers at one of the charming riverside cafes. Sample Dinant waffles and Dinant biscuits.
Make sure to explore the charming streets of Dinant at your own pace. Admire the colorful houses, browse the local shops for souvenirs, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this enchanting town. Take a moment to appreciate the picturesque beauty of the Meuse Valley that has inspired artists and visitors alike.
Dinant is a true gem in the heart of Belgium, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Dinant will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories.
More from the Tourist Information Office:
Dinant is the stunning musical city of Adolphe Sax, the famous inventor of the saxophone. Giant gaily-coloured Saxes adorn the center in a trail like a musical fanfare to its heritage, with the Sax Museum is dedicated to his life. He patented a new bass clarinet design in 1824 and a family of brass saxhorns with valves in 1842, but his greatest success came with the saxophone family, patented in 1846, which was quickly adopted by military bands, and later by symphony orchestras, dance bands and jazz bands. Today his birthplace is a small museum dedicated to his life and work. As you stroll through the town, you'll notice several saxophone-themed statues and sculptures paying homage to this musical genius. One of the highlights is a large saxophone sculpture standing proudly in the city center.
Dinant’s name comes from the Celtic “Divo Nanto” meaning “Sacred Valley” and the town is dramatically perched on the narrow banks of the River Meuse, at a point where the river cuts deeply through the limestone of the Condroz plateau. The river was an important means of transport for the town, being used to bring in raw materials and to distribute finished goods. The town also had workshops where locally quarried bluestone and marble was dressed before also being distributed along the river.
Originally owned by the Count of Namur, the town was granted by Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV to the Prince-Bishop of Liège in the eleventh century. The Prince-Bishops improved the town’s infrastructure, building the first stone bridge over the river and repairing the defences of its castle to create the citadel in 1530. Its strategic importance controlling access to the Upper Meuse valley led to frequent attacks, one of the worst being by the army of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy in 1466: it savagely put down a rebellion, drowned 800 townspeople in the river and burned the town to the ground.
Metalworking flourished in the rebuilt town, which specialised church altar candlesticks, chalices and patens made of a silver-brass alloy, known as “dinanderie”, that were distributed along the Meuse and sold all over Europe.
Dinant was occupied by a French army under Marshal de Créquy in 1675 and the French destroyed the citadel in 1703. In 1795, Dinant was ceded with the rest of the Prince-Bishop’s territory to Revolutionary France. Dinanderie fell out of fashion and the workshops changed to leather tanneries and playing-card factories.
The city suffered devastation again during the First World War. The invading German army fought a combined French and Belgian force in the Battle of Dinant on 15 August 1914, during which the young Lieutenant Charles de Gaulle was wounded. The French and Belgian troops were forced to retreat and the Germans occupied Dinant and began a series of savage reprisals against the civilian population, culminating in the massacre of 674 civilians on 23 August: in total they murdered around 5,000 Belgian and French civilians during their advance in 1914.
Some of this information is from the Ardenne Visitor Information office.