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Castles

Wallonie

Samson Fortress Ruins

Castles

Wallonie

Samson Fortress Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Samson Fortress Ruins

Recommended by 29 hikers out of 33

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Location: Andenne, Namur, Namur, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Samson Fortress Ruins

3.8

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1. Fortress and rocks of Samson — loop from Samson

4.32km

01:12

90m

80m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.0

(5)

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2. Faulx-les-Tombes Castle – The Royer Tower in Mozet loop from Namêche

23.1km

06:26

450m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

3.4

(5)

hikers

3. Transcar Quarry – Thon Castle Farm loop from Namêche

8.27km

02:18

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Paul_C

January 28, 2024

The remains of the fortress of Samson are the ruins of an ancient fortress perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Samson and the Meuse. There you will find the remains of two towers and a wall which testify to the ancient prestige of this castle, which was one of the strongholds of the county of Namur and resisted attacks by the Normans in the 9th century. The fortress was demolished in 1691 on the orders of King Charles II of Spain and its stones were used to build many houses in the neighboring villages of Thon and Samson. You can admire the ruins from the valley entrance, but the site is not open to visitors. You can, however, enjoy the natural beauty of the region and discover the charming village of Thon-Samson, which is classified among the most beautiful villages in Wallonia.

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Willem VS

October 27, 2021

Of the Samson fortress, only a few remains of two towers remain, visible from the entrance to the valley. Samson was one of the castles of the Count of Namur with, among others, Poilvache, Bouvignes and Montaigle.

This defense site, ideally located on a promontory overlooking the road to Gramptinne, was notably occupied by the Romans; Julius Caesar would have established an entrenched camp there. Excavations have also revealed the existence of tombs, coins and objects dating from the occupation of the site by the Franks and the Merovingians.

The fortress of Samson was divided into three enclosures: rocky terrain, a farmyard and outbuildings as well as beyond a drawbridge, the residence of the lord and his keep. The inhabitants of the village were exempt from taxes in return for a guard tour of the fortress. It was besieged in vain by the Normans in the 9th century. The last siege of the castle took place in the 16th century, during the time of Don Juan of Austria. The castle was finally demolished by order of King Charles II of Spain in 1690.
beauxvillages.be/a-faire/patrimoine-monuments/forteresse-de-samson.htm?lng=fr

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Elevation 120 m

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Wednesday 12 November

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Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

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Location: Andenne, Namur, Namur, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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Samson Fortress Ruins

1. Fortress and rocks of Samson — loop from Samson

2. Faulx-les-Tombes Castle – The Royer Tower in Mozet loop from Namêche

3. Transcar Quarry – Thon Castle Farm loop from Namêche

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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