Namur, the largest and oldest fortress in Europe
Tuesday,
4
may
2021
–
09:54
Imposing and Strategic, this fortress that stands in the Walloon City of Namur has an ancient route that goes back to Roman times and has left its mark on the Old Continent that is known today. Napolen already said of her that she was “the termite of Europe”.
The citadel of Namur on the river Meuse, in Belgium.
SHUTTERSTOCK
Not all the large buildings can be said to date back to Roman times or to have been renamed by some of the most famous historical figures of the continent. I know you can do it Namur Citadel, in Belgium, which Napolen Bonaparte referred to as”the termite of Europe”. Today it is one of the most important European fortifications and is considered an exceptional heritage of Wallonia.
Rising up to 190 meters and plunging underground with galleys of seven kilometers, The Citadel of Namur, in the Walloon city of the same name, is one of the essential visits to know the historic heart of the Old Continent.
Its historical and patrimonial importance lies in its position, on a hill above the ro Mosa that allows to observe Namur in view of pjaro. But if they earned the termitero nickname it was for its seven kilometers of underground tunnels, a whole military feat of the XVI century, which is when they started building. A century later a new defence was built, Land, today visitor and Exhibition Centre.
FROM FORTRESS TO THEATER
Without a doubt, a stronghold with great military power and that paradoxically had little relevance in the two world wars. In fact, it was from 1890 when the Citadel of Namur began to become a more social place, with the construction of a hotel, a theater and a playground on your Heights. Although these attractions do not exist today, it was the first time that what the Citadel of Namur is today is reflected: a place to enjoy the Walloon capital with Dream panoramas.
With this long history, there is no doubt of the tourist importance of the fortress. Today, there are three guided tours to know what the Citadel of Namur hides, although they are on pause due to restrictions in the region. The most spectacular is the one that runs through the Catacombs, which runs 500 meters of restored galleys with a3D animations and sound effects.
The Terra Nova Center it is the second great visit of the Citadel. Located in a former military barracks, it tells 2,000 years of European urban and military history with the Walloon fortress as the protagonist. Although the most pleasant visit is the one that is made in the tourist train, that travels with a guide the walled area and allows you to enjoy the views of the city and its rhythm of life.
TO THE CITADEL, BY TELEPHONE
The fortress is a testimony of millions of years of geological and human history. To visit it is to have the opportunity to go through the past and get acquainted with a fortress that is an authentic example of military and cultural heritage.
For namurians and Walloons in general, to hold such a jewel is a pride and to show it to the world is, practically, an obligation. That is why Namur has undertaken an ambitious project: this year it will inaugurate a urban telephone that links the city center with the fortress in a matter of minutes.
Be the first urban telephone in the region, along with the Huy, which is also under construction. And bring the majesty of this fortress to any visitor who comes to the Walloon capital.
/ More information on the web www.valoniabelgicaturismo.es
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