Dinan (Belgium) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Dinan with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City of Dinan (Belgium)
Dinan is a small town in the south of Belgium in the province of Namur. Sheltered by high rocky cliffs, it stretches along the river Meuse. Dinan – one of the most picturesque small Belgian cities, which is the pearl of Wallonia. This is a great direction for a day trip from Brussels and Liege, which has charming provincial charm, beautiful surroundings and pretty historic center.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- How to get there
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Dinan is located in the Wallonia region, 90 km south-east of Brussels. The city is located in the valley of the Upper Maas between the picturesque rocks and river. Dinan has a temperate maritime climate with cool summer and mild winter.
Dinan
Practical information
- The population is 13.5 thousand people.
- Area – 99.80 m2.
- The language is French.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Couques de Dinant – the famous hard cookie that is drunk with coffee or hot chocolate.
Story
The first mention of Dinan dates back to the 7th century. In the 9th century the settlement was transferred to the administration of the Counts of Namur. In the 11th century, Dinan received the rights to the market and the court, becoming one of the most important cities of the Liege principality.
The modern name of the city is derived from the Celtic Divo-Nanto, which means “Sacred Valley” or “Divine Valley”.
In the Middle Ages, Dinan grew and became an important city, specializing in the production of items made of silver brass alloy. Later tanning was the main industry, making playing cards and baking famous cookies. In wars 16-17 centuries between France and Spain, Dinan survived the destruction, hunger and epidemics, despite its neutrality. Also city suffered during the First World War.
How to get there
Dinan is not very well connected with the major cities of Belgium, because it is located on the side of the railway, extending from Highways in Namur. It’s actually easier and faster to get here. by car, thanks to the excellent system of Belgian freeways. The nearest airports are located in Brussels, Liege and Charleroi. Also from the capital of Belgium to Dinant can be reached by train.
sights
Cathedral Church Mother of God
Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant Collegiate Church – the 13th century medieval cathedral that is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. This is gothic a religious building located on the banks of the river Meuse was built on the site of a 10th century Romanesque church that collapsed into 1228 The most remarkable feature of the cathedral structure is a pear-shaped bell tower, added only in the 16th century.
The church has an impressive interior with a wonderful portal and stained glass, which is one of the largest in Europe, statues life-sized saints and stone columns.
Charles de Gaulle Bridge
Charles de Gaulle Bridge, built across the Meuse, decorated multi-colored saxophones on both sides, noting the fact that Dinan is the hometown of Adolf Sachs – famous Belgian musician and inventor of the same name musical tool.
For lovers of music or saxophone fans in Dinan there is interactive museum dedicated to the life and work of Adolf Sachs, in which you can also play with different saxophones. The museum located in the house where the musician was born in 1814.
Citadel
The citadel is a fortified fortress of the 19th century, located on rocky cliff. Was built on the site of the original medieval fortifications of the 11th century and is part of the fortification system the valley of the river Meuse.
Grotte laMerveilleuse
Grotte la Merveilleuse – a cave, opened in 1904, which considered one of the most beautiful in Belgium.
Abbey Leffe
Leffe Abbey – a medieval monastery founded in 1152 year and located north of the citadel. This abbey is known the fact that they began to produce the famous beer of the same name, which is one of the most popular in Belgium. Now in Leffe frothy drink is no longer produced, but in the local museum you can learn about the origin of beer and the life of monks.
