Citadelle de Namur

About the museum

The Citadel of Namur stands on a hill at the confluence of the Sambre and the Meuse, at a crossroads of routes that made it an important fortress in Europe. The site has been occupied intermittently since prehistory; its military role is attested from the 3rd century. In the Middle Ages a fortified residence at the tip of the rocky spur gradually became a true castle, with the residence of the counts of Namur, a collegiate church and several buildings.

From 1519 the arms race between Charles V and Francis I encouraged bastions and underground structures. The part known as “Terra Nova” was built between 1631 and 1675, during the Thirty Years' War. The last major fortification works took place between 1815 and 1830, when the Dutch rebuilt the citadel after Waterloo.

At the end of the 19th century nine concrete forts around Namur made the citadel obsolete for defence; it became a centre for leisure and walks, with a hotel, a sports ground and an open-air theatre. Today the Terra Nova Visitor Centre, housed in the former barracks, tells the story of Namur and its citadel through films, models and a relief model; visitors can also explore the underground galleries, ride the little train and stroll in the park. The Citadel is listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia.

Highlights

• Terra Nova Visitor Centre with a relief model of Namur, models and an audio guide
• “Sound and light” guided tour of the large underground galleries
• Narrated tour by little train, and cable car from the city
• Immersive guided tour “The Citadel in the Middle Ages”
• Citadel park with views over the Sambre and the Meuse

Permanent exhibition

• Centre du Visiteur Terra Nova – Multimedia route through the former barracks: relief model of Namur, models, images and audio testimonies covering 2,000 years of the history of the city and its citadel.

Operated by

Citadelle de Namur

Admission & discounts

Prices for the Terra Nova Visitor Centre, audio guide included. Free for children under 6, journalists and teachers; free with the museumPASSmusées for the Visitor Centre. Tickets are non-refundable.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Terra Nova Visitor Centre is accessible to people with reduced mobility (car park with reserved spaces, adapted toilets). The little train has access ramps. The underground galleries and “The Citadel in the Middle Ages” can be visited with a joëlette (an off-road wheelchair), by reservation at least two weeks in advance (flat rate of €50, up to 20 people, weight limit 80 kg). Dogs are not admitted to the Visitor Centre.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children's audio guide in all languages, the “Mort mystérieuse à la citadelle” mystery with booklet and gift, Totemus treasure hunt, little train and cable car.

Getting there & parking

By car: E411, exit Namur-Centre, then follow the Meuse and take the Route Merveilleuse. On foot: from the Spiral of Time near the Walloon Parliament, climb the steps and follow the signs to “Terra Nova”.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Self-service restaurant “Made in Namur” at Terra Nova; shop; accommodation and meals possible on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rooms for hire for events and companies.

Plan your visit