Citadel of Dinant
The Citadel of Dinant perches on a steep cliff 100 metres above the town of Dinant and the Meuse river. The current fortress dates from 1815 and was built on the ruins of earlier fortifications going back to the 11th century. Within its walls, you discover the turbulent history of the town through a route featuring reconstructions of military life and an impressive multimedia show about the First World War. The panoramic view over Dinant, the collegiate church and the Meuse valley is spectacular.
Accessibility at the Citadel is partial. The cable car connecting the centre of Dinant to the summit is accessible to wheelchair users and provides a comfortable way to reach the fortress. Once at the top, the outdoor areas are largely paved and navigable. However, some parts of the indoor museum have stairs without a lift alternative. Designated accessible parking spaces are available at the cable car's lower station and adapted toilet facilities are provided at the top.
The Citadel of Dinant is situated in the heart of the town and is an ideal starting point for exploring Dinant. Combine your visit with a walk along the Meuse, a visit to the collegiate church of Notre-Dame or a boat trip on the river. The town of Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, and there is an engaging museum dedicated to him. The citadel is open year-round.
Good to know
- Reservation
- No reservation needed for the visit itself. The adapted cable lift from the riverbank is free with every citadel ticket.
- Busy and quiet times
- Busiest on sunny weekends in July and August and during events. Quietest on weekdays before 11am and in spring and autumn.
- Things to note
- The upper plateau is largely paved and reachable via the adapted cable lift; a few outlying corners (old fortress walls) are still only reached by stairs. The dungeon and some exhibition sections are not wheelchair accessible.
- Visit tip
- Combine with a visit to the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and the Maison Adolphe Sax in the centre of Dinant. Disabled parking on the riverbank, next to the cable lift station.