Postcards from Dinant Belgium

Dinant, a beautiful small city, in the south of Belgium is a visitor's delight. I had the privilege of visiting this historical city a week ago, located just 16 kilometers from the Belgian border with France, in the province of Namur.

It takes just 90 minutes to travel from the capital Brussels to Dinant. A BE (Belgium) Excursion package of 35 EUR is a good deal to visit the city. It includes to and fro travel on the inter city train, plus a visit to three interesting places in the city.

Immediately after reaching Dinant, you get to see The Collegiate Church of Our Lady. Located across the river Meuse, it has witnessed World War II.

The Collegiate Church of Our Lady

As you cross the river, you see colorful saxophones, in the backdrop of the citadel.

Saxophones

I did not know their significance until after I reached home and read about them on Wikipedia. Dinant was the home of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.

Dinant - Home of Adolphe Sax

The art in the Church is brilliant.

The Collegiate Church of Our Lady Art

Just a few steps away from the Church is the Citadel of Dinant. It played an important role in the World War II. This is the first part of the travel package. 

A rope way takes you up the fortress. A mini museum in itself, it walks you through the battles witnessed by the citadel decades ago with some videos and notes. The citadel offers a beautiful view of the landscape around Dinant.

Dinant Church - View from Citadel

Dinant Landscape 

Dinant Skyline

Dinant City - From The Sky

After the soaring heights of the citadel, the next stop is the The Caves of Han. Known as the Grotte la Merveilleuse, they offer you a glimpse of history. 

Dinant - The Caves of Han

Stalactites and Stalagmites, created by The Almighty painstakingly over a million years are on display. A guided tour is included in the package, and the guide makes it a point to explain the finer details of the cave.

The below is a picture of stalagmite in making, courtesy water drops from the roof, while other neighboring stalagmites have turned dry. This is history in making.

Dinant Caves - History in Progress

Last, but not the least, is a cruise on the river Meuse. This too is included in the package. The cruise takes you across the river, towards the edges of the city and through the center. The cruise is an hour long, and offers the travelers a beautiful view of the city.

Dinant Meuse River 

Meuse River Dinant Belgium

A Room With A View - Dinant

You can also go kayaking in Dinant. This is a good option for adventure seeking tourists.

A fortress, a mountains, a river, an underground cave - all of this within a radius of 2-3 kilometers  makes Dinant an interesting place. Dinant is a city worth visiting if you are in Belgium.