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The
Citadel of Namur served as a strategic
bastion, attracting wave upon wave of attacks
and experiencing an equally determined series
of reconstructions and reinforcements. The most
famous of these contests occurred in the late
17th century, during the War of the Grand Alliance.
In 1692, the renowned fortress architect and siege
engineer Vauban took Namur for the French while
Louis XIV himself looked
on. Vauban strengthened Namur so well that it
was thought impregnable, but only three years
later it was taken in less than a month by the
forces of William of Orange.
Today
the citadel is accessible by a winding road or
by cable-car, offering visitors a good view of
the peaceful town below and the rivers Sambre
and Meuse. Although the citadel is a dominating
presence in Namur, the town itself holds great
appeal. Its quiet streets are graced with a number
of fine 18th century mansions and several beautiful
churches. Namur is also a rich repository of Mosan
artwork, most notably the Treasury
of the Priory of Oignies. Among the treasury's
fine objects are many pieces manufactured in the
early 13th century by Brother Hugo of Oignies,
one of the greatest goldsmiths of the middle ages.
Brother Hugo's work includes a reliquary for a
rib of Saint Peter, two astonishing double crosses,
chalices, phylacteries, and an evangelical cover.
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