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Namur was founded near the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Sambre. More precisely, the first settlement took place on the small plot of land exactly in-between the two rivers. This plot of land resembles a pig's head, hence the French name 'Grognon' (pig's head). A large, high  and long rock situated between Meuse and Sambre served as an ideal outlook post from where the Meuse valley could be overlooked and controlled. During Roman times people settled on the left bank of the Sambre river. It became a busy center with a lot of  blacksmiths and potters. Later, the first Christian churches were built in the small city. 

In the 10th century feudal power became important as was shown by the Donjon (fortified watchtower) that count Berengarius had constructed on top of the rock. During the 11th and 12th centuries the city continued to expand. New neighborhoods were created and finally, by the end of the 15th century, the last city wall was completed.

During the Spanish period of the Low Countries (16th-17th century) Namur became seat of one of the new bishoprics that had to serve as catholic strongholds to dam the flood of Calvinist influences. Philip II of Spain made Namur into an important military center from where he could fight Protestantism. He therefore also encouraged the creation of numerous religious orders that would turn Namur into a real catholic bastion. In the following centuries Namur suffered a lot from the conquering armies that wanted to lay their hands on the economically very important Low Countries. Armies that tried to go up north to try and take the Flemish cities Gent, Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, etc..., always had to cross the river Meuse in the area of Namur. This is the reason why, although Namur is an old city, not many constructions from the past have survived well, because the city was destroyed time and again. Namur always had a military function, and therefore the industrial revolution of the 19th century overlooked the city. Even at the end of the 19th century nine impressive military strongholds that would play an important role during the First World War, were built. 

Nowadays, Namur has gained considerably in importance. The city is now the political capital of Wallonia. Here are the seats of the Walloon government and the Walloon Parliament. Namur has a population of about 100.000 people.

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