About Dinant, Belgium:
Dinant is a charming city and municipality in Wallonia, Belgium’s French-speaking region, nestled in the province of Namur along the winding River Meuse in the Ardennes. Known for its dramatic cliffs, historic citadel, and as the birthplace of the saxophone, it’s a popular spot for history buffs, nature lovers, and foodies.
About The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame (Collégiale Notre-Dame) in Dinant, Belgium:
The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame dominates the town (an understatement, as you can see from the photo). The church is a 13th-century Gothic gem that has weathered rock slides, sieges, and wars. Elevated to collegiate status in 934 AD, this riverside icon blends architectural styles into a postcard-perfect silhouette, with its quirky pear-shaped bell tower piercing the sky against the dramatic cliffs.
The church’s story begins in the 10th century with a Romanesque predecessor, granted collegiate status in 934 as a chapter of canons under the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. Tragedy struck in 1227–1228 when a massive cliff collapse from the adjacent rock face demolished the structure, sparing only the north door—today’s portal retains Romanesque traces. Reconstruction began immediately in the emerging Mosan Gothic style, a regional variant known for its robust simplicity, completing the main body by the early 14th century. Dinant’s turbulent past tested the church repeatedly: In 1466, Burgundian forces under Charles the Bold sacked the city, looting and damaging the building during a massacre of residents. Further devastation came in 1554 from the Duke of Nevers’ troops, followed by fires and artillery strikes.
World Wars amplified the scars—World War I German occupation in 1914 led to partial destruction, while World War II bombings in 1940 necessitated major postwar reconstructions in the mid-20th century. Remarkably, it was restored to its Gothic essence, earning “Exceptional Heritage of Wallonia” status.
Perched on the Meuse’s right bank, the church’s facade hugs the sheer limestone cliffs, creating an illusion of being “crushed” by the rock above—a nod to its dramatic 1228 origins. Built from local limestone, it exemplifies 13th-century Mosan Gothic: ogival (pointed) arches divide the three naves, with monostyle columns topped by octagonal capitals and high windows filled with flamboyant tracery for ethereal light play.The exterior fuses eras—Romanesque in the north portal’s rounded arches and sculpted details, pure Mosan Gothic in the nave’s sturdy proportions, and Baroque flair in the 16th-century bell tower.
Added in 1530–1556 after a fire (originally planned as the town hall’s roof), this separate, bulbous “onion dome” or pear-shaped spire—rising 72 meters—dominates Dinant’s skyline, often likened to a “pumpkin capped by Nostradamus’ hat.”
Despite its compact footprint (constrained by the cliff), the interior evokes grandeur through Mosan sobriety—clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and soaring vaults that draw the eye upward. Sunlight filters through 14th–16th-century stained-glass windows, including the massive “Ladon” panel (one of Europe’s largest), depicting biblical scenes in vivid blues, reds, and golds with intricate chased detailing. These create a kaleidoscopic glow, especially at midday.
The high altar is a 17th-century Baroque wooden ensemble with gilded fretwork, angels, and a central Crucifixion scene—opulent against the Gothic restraint. The side chapels house Renaissance wooden sculptures and a poignant 1914 WWI memorial, blending devotion with local history. Overlooking the nave, with pipes evoking the church’s musical ties (near Adolphe Sax’s birthplace).
Other key treasures include: the Baptismal Chapel with 11th-century bas-reliefs and a Romanesque font, survivors of the 1228 collapse, carved with symbolic motifs like vines and apostles.
Overall, the church feels intimate yet uplifting, with wooden chairs rather than pews and stunning stained glass windows.
So long as you are in Dinant, you might want to sample some “couque de Dinant biscuits”, a local specialty.
Traveling to Dinant, Belgium:
Dinant is about 60 miles (98 km) southeast of Brussels. You can reach it from there by train or car. The train takes about 1 1/2 hours and is convenient for day trips from Brussels, as the station is in the town center.
Address: You probably won’t need it, but here it is
Pl. Reine Astrid 1, 5500 Dinant, Belgium
Phone: +32 82 22 62 84