TRABEL PHOTOGUIDES :  Brussels    Bruges    Antwerp    Ghent

 

  DURBUY: The Charm of Durbuy.
 
GENERAL
Durbuy (Home)
Info on Belgium

SIGHTSEEING
The Charm of Durbuy

EXTERNAL LINKS
Hotels
Trains

 



 

Day-trippers to the Ardennes, look no further !.If you want to spend the day in a beautiful place with medieval charm and luscious natural surroundings come to Durbuy. To close off the day, the gastronomic delights and possibilities in this lovely town will certainly not disappoint you.

Durbuy is known as the smallest city in the world (which it no longer is since 1977 when it fusioned with the neighboring villages). It lies at the meandering Ourthe river and a high cliff rock, called 'La Falize'. It was founded somewhere during the 11th century, around a castle constructed by the Count of Luxembourg. Durbuy and its castle had to serve as a defense town against eventual aggressions of the mighty neighbor, the Prince-bishopry of Liège. In the 14th century Durbuy was granted city rights by Count John of Bohemia. A defense wall was built around the city.

The most eye-catching building in Durbuy is the Castle which now belongs to the family d'Ursel. It was renovated and reconstructed several times. Durbuy is very small. However, there are a few little streets with lovely shops that sell local specialties. A walk through this maze of streets will give you the impression that Durbuy is quite large, because one has a tendency to stop at every little shop. Most of the houses are built with the typical gray stone of the Ardennes. In the main street is the 16th century Grain Hall which now harbors the local tourist office. Belgians also know Durbuy for its gastronomic delights. Visitors will find here several restaurants (some top class) and local bistros.


© All texts and pictures Copyright Trabel.com and Arakea.com.
Their use is not permitted without prior agreement.
Design by T
he Manta