Souterrains

Namur

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In its later guises, the fortress moved the majority of its key installations underground. Fascinating visits, by tour only, walk you through some 500m of the citadel's web of dripping tunnels showing you never-tested 1939 gas-proof bunkers and clever Vauban architectural tricks. Guides help bring the past to life using audiovisual displays and 3D projections on the wall. Be ready for temperatures of around 13°C (55.4°F).

There's always at least one English-language tour per day from April to September (two daily in July and August). Call ahead or check online for the latest schedule.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Citadelle de Namur

    Citadelle de Namur

    0.03 MILES

    Dominating the town, Namur's mighty fortress covers a whole hilltop with ramparts, tunnels and grey walls. What you see now is more 19th and 20th century…

  • Musée Hergé

    Musée Hergé

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  • Memorial 1815

    Memorial 1815

    25.24 MILES

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  • Collégiale Ste-Gertrude

    Collégiale Ste-Gertrude

    25.55 MILES

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  • Stadhuis

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    29.87 MILES

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  • Hougoumont

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    25.24 MILES

    This classic fortified farm is around 20 minutes’ walk southwest of the Butte du Lion. Had Napoleon broken through here early in the battle, everything…

  • Grote Begijnhof

    Grote Begijnhof

    29.44 MILES

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  • Musée de la Photographie

    Musée de la Photographie

    20.72 MILES

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Nearby Namur attractions

1. Terra Nova

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The citadel’s central section is a 19th-century former barracks with a modern visitor centre exploring the history and architecture of this important…

2. Citadelle de Namur

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Dominating the town, Namur's mighty fortress covers a whole hilltop with ramparts, tunnels and grey walls. What you see now is more 19th and 20th century…

3. Casino Building

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Namur's belle époque casino dominates the riverfront below the citadel.

4. Musée Félicien Rops

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Celebrated local artist Félicien Rops (1833–98), born a few streets away at Rue du Président 33, had a penchant for illustrating erotic lifestyles and…

5. Musée de Groesbeeck-de-Croix

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In a very fine 1753 former abbot’s house are displays of decorative arts in 23 beautifully furnished rooms around a formal courtyard garden. Don’t miss…

6. Église St-Loup

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Baudelaire reputedly described this remarkable baroque church as a ‘sinister and gallant marvel’. With purple marble columns, black stone arches,…

7. Musée Archéologique de Namur

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Housed in the photogenic Halle al'Chair, this small two-level museum houses a collection of artifacts spanning more than 2500 years. Highlights include…

8. Halle al’Chair

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Formerly the meat market, this 16th-century riverside building is one of few venerable structures to have survived Namur’s history of continual wartime…