Namur
was founded near the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Sambre. More
precisely, the first settlement took place on
the
small plot of land exactly in-between the two rivers. This plot of
land resembles a pig's head, hence the French name 'Grognon' (pig's
head). A large, high and long rock situated between Meuse and
Sambre served as an ideal outlook post from where the Meuse valley
could be overlooked and controlled. During Roman times people
settled on the left bank of the Sambre river. It became a busy centre
with a lot of blacksmiths and potters. Later, the first Christian
churches were built in the small city. In the 10th century feudal
power became important as was shown by the Donjon (fortified
watchtower) that count Berengarius had constructed on top of the rock.
During the 11th and 12th centuries the city continued to expand. New
neighbourhoods were created and finally, by the end of the 15th
century, the last city wall was completed.
During
the Spanish period of the Low Countries (16th-17th century) Namur
became seat of one of the new bishoprics that had to serve as catholic
strongholds to dam the flood of Calvinist influences. Philip II of
Spain made Namur into an important military centre from where he could
fight Protestantism. He therefore also encouraged the creation of
numerous religious orders that would turn Namur into a real catholic
bastion. In the following centuries Namur suffered a lot from the
conquering armies that wanted to lay their hands on the economically
very important Low Countries. Armies that tried to go up north to try
and take the Flemish cities Gent, Bruges,
Brussels,
Antwerp, etc..., always had to cross the river Meuse in the area of
Namur. This is the reason why, although Namur is an old city, not many
constructions from the past have survived well, because the city was
destroyed time and again. Namur always had a military function, and
therefore the industrial revolution of the 19th century overlooked the
city. Even at the end of the 19th century nine impressive military
strongholds that would play an important role during the First World
War, were built.
(Above
: detail from the Taking of Namur by the troops of Louis XIV in 1692
(J-B Martin)
Nowadays,
Namur has gained considerably in importance. The city is now the
political capital of Wallonia. Here are the seats of the Walloon
government and the Walloon Parliament. Namur has a population of about
100.000 people.
the
small plot of land exactly in-between the two rivers. This plot of
land resembles a pig's head, hence the French name 'Grognon' (pig's
head). A large, high and long rock situated between Meuse and
Sambre served as an ideal outlook post from where the Meuse valley
could be overlooked and controlled. During Roman times people
settled on the left bank of the Sambre river. It became a busy cent
Brussels,
Antwerp, etc..., always had to cross the river Meuse in the area of
Namur. This is the reason why, although Namur is an old city, not many
constructions from the past have survived well, because the city was
destroyed time and again. Namur always had a military function, and
therefore the industrial revolution of the 19th century overlooked the
city. Even at the end of the 19th century nine impressive military
strongholds that would play an important role during the First World
War, were built. 
