Bouillon Castle

A very beautiful castle. The detour is an absolute must.

The castle of Bouillon, the oldest vestige of feudalism in Belgium.In addition to this, you need to know more about it.In addition to this, you need to know more about it.Visit one of the largest fortified castles in Belgium and embark on a journey through more than 1000 years of history!Standing on three rocky peaks overlooking the Semois and the city, the fortified castle of Bouillon, with the maze of its corridors and its immense vaulted rooms, is considered to be the oldest and most interesting vestige of feudalism in Belgium.The origins of the first fortifications date back to the 8th century.He was immortalized by Godefroid, leader of the first crusade (1096) and confessed to the Holy Sepulcher who engaged the castle with the archbishopric of Liège to finance his expedition to the Holy Land.Finally, under the wars of Louis XIV, it will experience major development work carried out by Vauban and will be occupied militarily until 1830.

On top of the impressive rock (340 m x 40 m), the castle of Bouillon dominates the city. It is closely associated with Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the first crusade (1096-1099). The Ardenne-Verdun family was aware of the strategic value of this place and started construction in the Xth century. The “Ducal Palace”, of which nothing now remains, consisted of a keep (donjon) with residential purpose and two associated towers. There are still underground passages from that era that are still in very good condition. The castle as it is seen today largely dates from the 16th century, although the fortifications made by Vauban (1633 – 1707) are very remarkable. In 1853 the fortified castle was degraded by the Belgian authorities. As a state property, it was registered in the Belgian heritage in 1975.